It’s every dog owner’s worst nightmare—your pup suddenly stops breathing or starts choking. Maybe they ate too fast, swallowed something they shouldn’t have, or suffered an injury. In these moments, knowing how to perform CPR and basic first aid can make all the difference. While it’s not something to stress about daily, being prepared can help you stay calm in an emergency and even save your dog’s life. Here’s your guide to performing dog CPR and first aid in case you ever find yourself in a life-or-death situation.
When to Perform CPR on a Dog
CPR should only be performed if your dog is unconscious and not breathing. If they are still trying to spit up the object, do not perform CPR yet, as this could cause complications. Instead, monitor them closely and be ready to act if they stop breathing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR on Your Dog
1. Check for a Heartbeat & Breathing
Before you start, check for a pulse by placing your fingers on the inside of their hind leg or feeling for a heartbeat near their chest. If there is no pulse or breathing, it’s time to act fast.
2. Begin Chest Compressions
- For large dogs: Place both hands on the widest part of the ribcage and press down about one-third of the chest’s width.
- For small dogs: Use one hand or your thumbs to gently compress their chest.
3. Perform Rescue Breaths
- Close your dog’s mouth and extend their neck to open the airway.
- Place your mouth over their nose and blow gently until you see their chest rise.
- Give one rescue breath every 4-5 seconds.
4. Continue CPR
Perform CPR in cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Keep going until your dog starts breathing on their own.
5. Recheck Breathing & Heartbeat
Every two minutes, pause briefly to check for signs of breathing or a heartbeat.
6. Get Emergency Help
Continue CPR until your dog begins breathing again or you reach a veterinary clinic. If there is no response within 15 minutes, survival chances decrease significantly.
First Aid Tips for Other Emergencies
Here are some other first-aid tips for other emergencies.
- Choking – If your dog is coughing or gasping, let them try to dislodge the object on their own. If they collapse or can’t breathe, perform the CPR steps above.
- Bleeding – Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth and keep the wound elevated. If bleeding doesn’t slow down within a few minutes, seek emergency care.
- Heatstroke –Move your dog to a cool area, offer water, and wet their paws and ears with cool (not ice-cold) water to help lower their body temperature.
Be Prepared, We’re Here to Help
We hope you never find yourself in an emergency, but being prepared can make all the difference. That’s why Canine College is offering a Pet CPR & First Aid Class on March 2nd—giving you the skills and confidence to act quickly when your dog needs help. Our experienced team will guide you through essential techniques, from CPR to wound care, so you can keep your pup safe in any situation. Don’t wait until an emergency happens—contact us today at (781) 767-3908 to reserve your spot and be ready when it matters most!
