How to Administer CPR

If an animal is in need of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) you have to move very fast. It’s best to learn CPR by taking a course, such as one given by your local chapter of the Red Cross or your local animal shelter. However, even without a course it’s a good idea to have a general idea of how to give a dog CPR.

Administering breaths

1. Place the animal on its left side.
2. Check its mouth to ensure that nothing is blocking the airway.
3. Straighten the throat by lifting the chin.
4. Blow into the nose while keeping the animal’s mouth closed; watch the chest rise as the air goes in and deflate as the air leaves.

Administering chest compressions for animals weighing less than 30lbs:

1. Place both hands, one on top of the other, over the rib cage, over the heart.
2. Push your hands down about 1 inch (2.5cm) and then release the pressure. Do this rapidly, at a rate of about 80 compressions per minute.

Administering chest compressions for dogs weighing more than 30lbs:

1. Place your hands one on top of the other, but over the wide part of the dog’s rib cage—this will not be over the heart.
2. Exert pressure with your arms straight, so that you push down to about one-quarter of the width of the animal’s chest. Release the pressure.
3. Repeat at a rate of about 80 compressions per minute.

It’s best to administer breaths and compressions at the same time. However, if you’re working on your own, give one breath of artificial respiration after every five compressions. Repeat the process until the dog breathes by itself.