In an accident or emergency, you rely on people like police and medical teams to take care of you. However, you’re often the one who provides initial emergency care for your pets until you can get them to an emergency veterinary hospital. That’s why it’s incredibly important to be able to recognize an emergency and know how to take action. By enrolling in a pet CPR and first aid course, you can tackle both.
What Does CPR for Dogs and Cats Consist Of?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are two important parts to this potentially life-saving process. First, rescue breathing keeps oxygen supplied to the lungs. Second, chest compressions help provide adequate blood flow and oxygen to the heart, brain, and other vital organs such as the kidneys. This process is maintained until additional medical therapies can be started.
Should Pet Owners Take a Course in CPR?
Every pet owner should have a basic understanding of CPR and first aid techniques. In addition to emergency care, you will receive training to recognize when something is abnormal with your dog or cat. This task isn’t always easy since our pets can be so good at hiding their symptoms. With knowledge and training in place, you’ll be more confident and calmer when an emergency occurs. You’ll be able to spring into action faster and make prompt, effective decisions that may help save your pet’s life.
Learning CPR is important if you have any pets, but especially if any of the following apply to them:
- Senior pets
- A brachycephalic breed (flat-faced like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians)
- Heart issues
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological issues
There are some key points to remember, even if you have pet CPR training and feel confident in your abilities.
- Never delay medical care with pets showing any symptoms relating to heart or respiratory issues — coughing, temporary loss of consciousness, abnormal heart rate, exercise intolerance, or breathing issues. A lot can change in even 30 minutes.
- Never delay transport to an animal emergency facility to perform CPR. This is particularly important if you’re alone and have to choose between CPR or getting to the ER. Do check for any foreign objects lodged in the throat blocking breathing before leaving. Be sure to position your pet with their head and neck extended when driving.
- Only attempt CPR in the vehicle if someone else is driving.
- Your attempts may not be successful through no fault of your own. Even fully trained medical professionals with specialized equipment and medications don’t always succeed in reviving a patient. If possible, continue CPR until your pet reaches the hospital to maintain circulation. But again, if you’re alone, getting to the hospital is your priority over CPR.
How To Learn About CPR for Dogs and Cats
The Red Cross and other organizations offer pet first aid and CPR programs. The advantage of an online course is that you can move at your own pace and on your schedule, and you have access to learning tools. Another option is an in-person class. Many people learn best when performing a procedure rather than watching and reading about it. You can also check with your local animal shelter or veterinary hospital to see if they offer pet CPR classes.
Typically, certifications include CPR and first aid techniques such as:
- Checking vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, etc.
- Preventive care
- Respiratory issues
- Cardiac emergencies
- Wound care and treatment
How Pet CPR Is Performed
CPR is only done when your pet has no pulse and is not breathing.
Here are the basic highlights of CPR, though it’s recommended that you take a comprehensive online or in-person course. The following is not meant to replace a course or certification program.
- Check for a Pulse
You can place your index and middle finger on the inside of the rear leg about mid-thigh or feel for the pulse on the ribs just behind the right or left elbow. - Be Sure That Your Pet Has an Open Airway
The head and neck should be extended, and the tongue pulled forward. Remove any saliva, vomit, or foreign objects. Look as deep into the throat as possible. - Monitor for Any Breathing
A pet may spontaneously breathe after their head is placed in this position. But do not wait more than 10 to 15 seconds before proceeding with CPR. - Start Chest Compressions
For smaller dogs and cats, place your hand over the heart, with your thumb on one side of the chest and fingers on the other side of the chest. (Bend the front leg back, and the location it touches the chest is where the heart is). Then squeeze your thumb and fingers together to compress the chest. Place larger dogs on their side and use one or both hands to push down on the chest wall from their side. - Squeeze or Press the Chest Down No More than ½ the Chest’s Normal Width and Then Release
You will repeat the squeeze or compression at a rapid rate of 100 to 120 times per minute. Using the beat from the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” gives you the perfect timing. - After Every 15 to 20 Seconds of Chest Compressions, Breathe Directly into Their Nostrils
Do this by closing your pet’s muzzle and placing your mouth around their mouth and nose. The idea is to create a tight seal. Breathe into their lungs only until you see the chest rise. You can get cat/dog respiratory CPR barrier masks to keep in your pet first aid kit if desired. - When Possible, Do Rescue Breathing While Doing Chest Compressions
This is truly only possible with two people — one doing compressions while the other does rescue breathing. A single person may be able to do both on small dogs and cats. Give a breath every 15 to 20 seconds while still doing compressions. - Be Sure to Keep Checking for a Pulse and Breathing on Their Own
- Continue
Keep going through these steps until the pet reaches a veterinary facility, there is a strong and regular pulse, or you cannot continue due to exhaustion. Again, if you’re alone, focus on getting your pet to the ER instead of doing CPR.
Is CPR the Same for All Dogs and Cats?
Basic CPR rescue breathing is essentially the same for dogs and cats. When it comes to basic CPR chest compressions, the technique for cats and small dogs is slightly different than for larger dogs. As noted above, typically with small dogs and cats, you can place one or both hands around the chest over the heart (thumb on one side and fingers on the other) and depress the rib cage (about ½ the width of the chest). Larger dogs are often placed on their side, and one or both hands are used to compress the chest wall at the widest point. Compressions should be 1.5 to 4 inches deep, depending on how large the dog is.
There’s no substitute for an in-person or online CPR and first aid course. Please consider taking a course yourself, so you have an opportunity to witness and practice these life-saving procedures before you find yourself and your pet in an emergency.
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