Pet First Aid: CPR

In light of the recent dog CPR story with a happy end, we thought to post pet CPR instructions:

If the animal is not breathing and the airway and mouth are free of objects, lay it down on its right side. Check for a heartbeat by listening to the chest where the elbow touches the ribs. If there is no heartbeat, you can start chest compressions with the flat of your hand as well. To breathe for the animal extend the neck so that there is a straight airway, close its mouth; place your mouth around its muzzle and blow air into the nose until the chest expands. Be sure to keep the neck out straight, not flexed. You should be able to see the chest expand with each breath... don't over-do forcing air into the lungs. This should be performed every 5 seconds. If chest compressions are required to stimulate heart contractions, place one hand on each side of the chest in the area of the heart about 5 to 7 ribs back from the base of the neck. Compress every second and stop occasionally to force air into the lungs. Compressions with the thumb and forefinger of one hand may be all that is needed for cardiac stimulation in very small dogs or in cats.

Comments

[Janet]

I thank you for posting this. There have been times when I could have used this on my beloved pets that were injured or sick.