Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: CPR
Pet Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Just like in humans, CPR can significantly improve your pet’s chance of living through a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Rapid assessment and intervention are crucial. Starting with recognition of the problem and checking your C-A-B.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to facilitate oxygen uptake and circulation of blood with oxygen and nutrients to the organs.
- Circulation: Check for a pulse. If you do not find one, perform CPR immediately.
- Airway: Clear the airway with a head-tilt-chin-lift and dislodge any easily removable obstructions (the tongue is the most common).
- Breathing: Close the mouth and cover the pet’s nose and mouth with your mouth. Exhale for 1 second and watch for the chest to rise.
If the heart has stopped and the airway is open, start with chest compressions and immediately take your pet to the veterinarian.
Special Note: A pet may bite you at any point of the first aid and CPR process. Anytime that you are in or around a pet’s mouth, being bitten is a serious risk.
Pet CPR Steps:
- Ensure scene safety
- Get PPE
- Lay your dog or cat on its side with the right side against a solid surface
- Place one hand on the animal’s ribcage over the heart and the other hand on top of the first (cup your palms and use an encircling hands technique for smaller dogs and cats)
- Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute without bending the elbows (1/3 to 1/2 of the depth of the chest)
- Close the animal’s muzzle and give 2 rescue breaths per 30 compressions by exhaling into the nose and watching for the chest to rise
- Continue until a steady heartbeat returns or the veterinarian can take over