CPR for Pets
Category: first_aid
Knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on a pet can save their life in a cardiac or respiratory emergency. While the chance of successful CPR in pets is lower than in humans (approximately 5-10% overall), early intervention — particularly for drowning, choking, electrocution, or drug reactions — significantly improves outcomes. Every pet owner should know the basics of pet CPR.
## When to Perform CPR
CPR should only be performed when a pet is unresponsive, not breathing, AND has no heartbeat. Check for responsiveness by calling the pets name and gently tapping or stimulating them. Check for breathing by watching the chest for movement and feeling for air from the nostrils. Check for a heartbeat by placing your hand on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow.
**Perform CPR if:** The pet is unconscious, there is no breathing OR no heartbeat (or both). **Do NOT perform CPR if:** The pet is conscious, the pet is breathing normally, or the pet has a heartbeat (even if weak).
## The ABCs of Pet CPR
**A — Airway:** Gently extend the neck and pull the tongue forward to open the airway. Check for and remove any visible obstructions in the mouth or throat. Do NOT reach blindly into the throat.
**B — Breathing (Rescue Breaths):** Close the pets mouth and create a seal around the nose with your mouth. For cats and small dogs, you may cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth. Give 2 rescue breaths — each breath should make the chest visibly rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and check for airway obstruction.
**C — Circulation (Chest Compressions):** For medium to large dogs: lay on their right side on a firm surface. Place the heel of your hand on the widest part of the chest (over the heart). For barrel-chested breeds (Bulldogs): compress directly over the breastbone with the dog on its back. For cats and small dogs: compress the chest with one hand wrapped around the chest, thumb on one side and fingers on the other. Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (to the beat of Staying Alive). Compress to 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
## CPR Cycle
Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue this 30:2 cycle without interruption. Check for return of breathing and heartbeat every 2 minutes. Continue CPR while transporting to a veterinary hospital. CPR should be continued for at least 20 minutes, or until veterinary help is available, the pet revives, or you are physically unable to continue.
## Special Situations
**Drowning:** Clear water from the lungs by briefly holding smaller pets upside down or performing a modified Heimlich maneuver. Begin CPR immediately. Even after revival, seek veterinary care — secondary drowning (fluid in the lungs causing delayed respiratory failure) can occur up to 24 hours later.
**Electrocution:** Do NOT touch the pet until the power source is disconnected. Begin CPR if needed. Electrical shock can cause delayed pulmonary edema.
**Choking:** If you can see the object, try to remove it. Perform modified Heimlich maneuver if needed. Begin CPR if the pet becomes unconscious and stops breathing.
## What NOT to Do
Do NOT perform CPR on a conscious pet. Do NOT delay transport to the vet while performing CPR at home — perform CPR during transport. Do NOT give up too quickly — continue for at least 20 minutes. Do NOT compress too aggressively on very small pets.
## CPR Preparedness
Consider taking a pet first aid and CPR course (offered by the Red Cross and many veterinary organizations). Keep your nearest emergency veterinary hospitals phone number saved in your phone. Practice CPR techniques on a stuffed animal so the motions are familiar. Assemble a pet first aid kit.
## When to Perform CPR
CPR should only be performed when a pet is unresponsive, not breathing, AND has no heartbeat. Check for responsiveness by calling the pets name and gently tapping or stimulating them. Check for breathing by watching the chest for movement and feeling for air from the nostrils. Check for a heartbeat by placing your hand on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow.
**Perform CPR if:** The pet is unconscious, there is no breathing OR no heartbeat (or both). **Do NOT perform CPR if:** The pet is conscious, the pet is breathing normally, or the pet has a heartbeat (even if weak).
## The ABCs of Pet CPR
**A — Airway:** Gently extend the neck and pull the tongue forward to open the airway. Check for and remove any visible obstructions in the mouth or throat. Do NOT reach blindly into the throat.
**B — Breathing (Rescue Breaths):** Close the pets mouth and create a seal around the nose with your mouth. For cats and small dogs, you may cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth. Give 2 rescue breaths — each breath should make the chest visibly rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and check for airway obstruction.
**C — Circulation (Chest Compressions):** For medium to large dogs: lay on their right side on a firm surface. Place the heel of your hand on the widest part of the chest (over the heart). For barrel-chested breeds (Bulldogs): compress directly over the breastbone with the dog on its back. For cats and small dogs: compress the chest with one hand wrapped around the chest, thumb on one side and fingers on the other. Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (to the beat of Staying Alive). Compress to 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
## CPR Cycle
Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue this 30:2 cycle without interruption. Check for return of breathing and heartbeat every 2 minutes. Continue CPR while transporting to a veterinary hospital. CPR should be continued for at least 20 minutes, or until veterinary help is available, the pet revives, or you are physically unable to continue.
## Special Situations
**Drowning:** Clear water from the lungs by briefly holding smaller pets upside down or performing a modified Heimlich maneuver. Begin CPR immediately. Even after revival, seek veterinary care — secondary drowning (fluid in the lungs causing delayed respiratory failure) can occur up to 24 hours later.
**Electrocution:** Do NOT touch the pet until the power source is disconnected. Begin CPR if needed. Electrical shock can cause delayed pulmonary edema.
**Choking:** If you can see the object, try to remove it. Perform modified Heimlich maneuver if needed. Begin CPR if the pet becomes unconscious and stops breathing.
## What NOT to Do
Do NOT perform CPR on a conscious pet. Do NOT delay transport to the vet while performing CPR at home — perform CPR during transport. Do NOT give up too quickly — continue for at least 20 minutes. Do NOT compress too aggressively on very small pets.
## CPR Preparedness
Consider taking a pet first aid and CPR course (offered by the Red Cross and many veterinary organizations). Keep your nearest emergency veterinary hospitals phone number saved in your phone. Practice CPR techniques on a stuffed animal so the motions are familiar. Assemble a pet first aid kit.
Source: RECOVER CPR Guidelines