How to perform CPR on a dog

Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on dogs. Follow the steps and get to know CPR for dogs before a potential crisis situation.

Assess the dog's condition:

Only perform CPR if the dog is not contactable, does not have a pulse or is not breathing! Breaths should only be given after free airways have been created and inhalation is possible. Two people should be on hand - if you're alone, remember to straighten your dog's neck and pull out your tongue before each breath.

How do you take a dog's pulse?

To feel the pulse (in the femoral artery), place your fingers on the inside of the groin/thigh. Move your fingers around until you find your pulse. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the pulse, if the condition is critical, it is better to start CPR if the dog is uncontactable.

How do you feel a dog's heartbeat?

The heart is located on the left side of the chest. If you bend your leg up, the heart is just inside. Put your hands on either side of your chest to feel the heartbeat.

How do I know my dog is not breathing?

Check if the dog's chest rises and falls when inhaling and exhaling.
If you don't see any chest movements, you can hold your hand in front of your dog's nose to feel warm/air movement from their breathing.
You can also (if you have close at hand) hold a pocket mirror in front of your nose and see if fog forms on the mirror.
If the dog's mucous membranes are bluish, it is a sign that the dog's oxygenation is severely reduced, then first check that no object is stuck in the airways.

How to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on dogs

Small dogs (e.g. Bichon frisé):

Use a one-handed grip to do compressions. Place your thumb on one side of your chest and your fingers on the opposite side, so that you can press your chest together between your thumb and fingers.

Dogs with a narrow, wedge-shaped chest (e.g. greyhound):

Place your hands directly over your heart when doing compressions. To find the position of the heart, bend the dog's front legs up along the chest – the tip of the elbow points out where the heart is located.

Dogs with a broad, rounded chest (e.g. Golden Retriever):

Place your hands on the highest point of your chest, about the middle of it, when doing compressions.

1
Lay the dog on its right side (left side up) on a firm, flat surface.
2
Check that the dog has a clear airway and a straight neck, preferably the head and neck should be in line with each other. Be extra careful in case of neck stretching as there may be some kind of neck injury.
3
Compress the chest 80 -100 times/min. Do 30 compressions, do two breaths so that the chest rises, do 30 compressions followed by two breaths, repeat. If you are two people, you should take turns.
4
Perform artificial respiration by gently pulling the tongue out of the dog's mouth. Watch out for relex-related bites, as even an unconscious dog can bite.
5
Remove any visible objects from your mouth.
6
Put your mouth over the dog's nose.
7
Inhale until the dog's chest rises.
8
Repeat the compressions and inhalation until breathing and circulation are working.
9
Once breathing and pulse have started, the dog is transported to a veterinarian or animal hospital.