CPR, Breathing
Is the animal breathing? If the answer is Yes, allow the animal to assume a comfortable body position. Then, move on to Circulation. If the answer is No, do the following:- Make sure you have first opened the airway.
- For medium and large dogs, seal the mouth and lips by placing your hands around the lips, gently holding the muzzle closed. For cats and small dogs (less than 30 pounds), your mouth will seal the mouth and lips.
- Place your mouth over the animal's nose and forcefully exhale.
- Give four or five breaths rapidly, then check to see if your pet is breathing without assistance. If the animal begins to breathe, but the breathing is shallow and irregular, or if breathing does not begin, continue artificial respiration until you reach the veterinary hospital or for a maximum of 20 minutes. (Beyond 20 minutes there is little chance of reviving your pet.)
- Use the following breathing rates: 20-30 breaths per minute for small dogs (under 30 pounds) or cats; 20 breaths per minute for medium or large dogs (over 30 pounds).
Do not attempt this on a conscious animal.
