Here's How To Properly Give CPR To Your Dogs In Case Of Emergencies

Here's How To Properly Give CPR To Your Dogs In Case Of Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, you may need to give your puppy CPR. Here’s how to do so.

Before Administering CPR

Before you give a dog CPR, check the following things:

  • Are they breathing? Check their nose and mouth for signs of inhalation or exhalation. If they are not breathing but have a pulse, you must perform artificial respiration.
  • Do they have a heartbeat? Check for a pulse at their thighs or ankles, or check for a heartbeat at their chest. If they do not have a pulse but are breathing, go straight to CPR.
  • Get help! Ask someone around you to contact a veterinarian.

How To Perform Artificial Respiration

Clear any mucus or blood from your puppy’s airway. Pull their tongue out to make sure there are no obstructions. If an object is lodged inside, do not perform CPR; try to remove it.

Once you know the airway is clear, put your hand under their chin and shut your puppy’s mouth, securing their lips and cupping their nose with your free hand. Put your mouth to your puppy’s nose and exhale into it every 5-6 seconds. Continue until they start breathing. If their pulse stops, move to CPR.

How To Perform CPR

For large puppies:

  • Lay them on their side
  • Compress their chest once per second
  • Breathe into their nose every six seconds

For small puppies:

  • Lay them on their side
  • Use both of your hands’ forefingers and thumbs slightly behind the front legs, around the chest
  • Compress their chest once per second
  • Breathe into their nose every six seconds

For Newborn Puppies

For artificial respiration:

  • Lower their head and clear the airway with a suction bulb
  • Use your mouth to enclose their nose and mouth
  • Give them two to three very small breaths – do not use your full breath, as this can damage a newborn’s very small lungs

For CPR:

  • Use both of your hands’ forefingers and thumbs slightly behind the front legs, around the chest
  • Compress their chest rapidly
  • Breathe into their nose gently every 15-20 seconds – do not use your full breath, as this can damage a newborn’s very small lungs
  • If their heartbeat returns, stimulate them by rubbing with a towel

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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