Its every persons worst nightmare: your dog is unconscious, and theres no breathing or pulse. In short, its an emergency and time is of the essence. Would you know what to do? Whether due to illness, choking or an acute traumatic injury, there may come a time when your pup depends on you to save its life. Thankfully, doctors and vets have developed a pet-specific version of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that can sustain a dogs life until experienced professionals arrive to take over care. Joseph Woodill, Assistant Director of Health and Safety Training for the American Red Cross Greater New York Chapter, explains: Check the ABCs (Airway, Breathing and Circulation): Does your dog have an obstructed airway? Is it breathing? Does it have a pulse?
If the airway is obstructed, clear the blockage. If theres no pulse and no breathing, immediately begin an alternating series of five chest compressions and one rescue breath.
Chest compressions: To find the proper location for chest compressions, move your dogs front left leg back until the elbow meets the fifth rib. Place the heel of your bottom hand here. Place your other hand over the top of the first. Compressions should be rapid"”a pace of about 100 per minute. For dogs under 30 pounds, only compress about ½"“1 inch. For larger dogs, compress 1"“3 inches deep.
Rescue breathing: Use the mouth-to-snout technique, preferably with a breathing barrier between your mouth and the dogs. For smaller dogs and those with shorter snouts, you may be able to breath simultaneously into the nose and mouth. For larger dogs and those with longer snouts, hold the mouth shut and breathe into the nose. Avoid breathing too hard or too fast, especially for smaller dogs. Doing so can force air into the stomach, rather than the lungs.
Every few minutes, pause to check if you dog has regained a pulse. If not, continue CPR. Theres nothing like practice to ensure that youre prepared to perform these steps if an emergency arises. The American Red Cross regularly offers Pet First Aid and CPR classes at locations across the country and sells a dog first aid book and pet first aid kits stocked to treat standard first aid scenarios.
By Peter Bronski
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