CPR For Dogs

This is the 2nd half, of my dog CPR information. Yesterday we covered artificial respiration in dogs. Artificial respiration must begin as soon as your dog stops breathing. If your dog's heart has stopped beating, CPR must begin immediately. If at all possible, it is better to have one person performing artificial respiration on your dog, while the other person does chest compressions. With two people performing CPR, alternate one breath with three compressions. If you are performing CPR alone, alternate one breath with five compressions.

For Dogs under 30 pounds

Make sure your dog is laying on a flat surface.

Place the palm of your hand on the rib cage over the heart. Place your other hand on top of the first. For small puppies and kittens, you can use your thumb instead of the palm of your hand, and have your fingers resting to the side.

Compress the chest about one inch. Squeeze and release rhythmically at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute.

For Dogs over 30 pounds

Make sure your dog is laying on a flat surface.

Put one hand directly over the top of the other, over the widest portion of the rib cage, not over the heart.

Keeping your arms straight, push down on the rib cage. Compress the chest 25% of its width. Squeeze and release rhythmically and repeat about 80 compressions per minute.

Continue CPR until your dog breathes on his own and has a steady heartbeat.