CPR, Circulation
Is there a heartbeat or a pulse? If the answer is No, perform chest compressions.
For Small Dogs (Under 30 pounds) or Cats:
Do not assume there is no heartbeat or pulse simply because an animal is not breathing. Do not start chest compressions before checking for a heartbeat. (If the animal is conscious and responds to you, then the heart is beating).
- Lay your pet down, on the animal's right side.
- Kneel next to your pet with the animal's chest facing you.
- Place the palm of one of your hands over the ribs at the point where the elbow touches the chest. Place your other hand underneath the right side of the animal.
- Compress the chest 1/2-1 inch (your elbows should be softly locked during the compressions).
- Chest compressions are alternated with breaths.
- If working alone, do five compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse.
- If there are two people, one person does the breathing while the other does the compressions at a rate of three compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse.
Do not assume there is no heartbeat or pulse simply because an animal is not breathing. Do not start chest compressions before checking for a heartbeat. (If the animal is conscious and responds to you, then the heart is beating).
Continue CPR until the animal has a strong heartbeat and pulse, or until you reach the veterinary hospital, or until 20 minutes have passed and your efforts have not been successful.
CPR can be performed on the way to the veterinary hospital, as long as there are at least two people present (one to drive).
For Larger Dogs
