Pet CPR-First Aid
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, also known as CPR, is a process for keeping a heart beating. Although this process of chest compressions and artificial compressions is known widely for humans, it also works on pets.
If you cannot hear or feel your pet’s heartbeat, or if they are unconscious, give an emergency line a call right away. A pet that has ceased breathing will go into cardiac arrest, and it’s important to keep the heart beating in such an event.
At Pets R Family Too, all of our dog sitters are trained in pet CPR and first aid. We have outlined the instructions for administering CPR below but it is important to understand that CPR can harm pets, or cause death, if performed when not necessary or improperly. We take no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information. Pet CPR should only be administered when absolutely necessary and only if the pet parent or administrator knows how to do so.
When CPR is properly administered it can get the heart pumping again, as well as keeping the brain safe until breathing begins again. Knowing when to administer CPR hinges on having proper training. However, if you cannot get to a vet in time and your pet is unconscious or has choked, drowned, or been electrically shocked, then it may be necessary to begin CPR.
Pet CPR for Dogs Weighing Less Than 30 Pounds
- Call your local vet and share the complications that your dog is having. Ideally, someone else should be doing this while you administer CPR.
- Lay your dog on their side on a flat and firm surface.
- Identify anything that may be lodged in your dog’s throat and remove it if present.
- Compress your dog’s chest about an inch, with your palms on its chest area, 100 times a minute.
- If you are the only person on the scene, breath into the dog’s nose every five compressions. Otherwise, another person can provide artificial respiration every three compressions.
- During artificial respiration, make sure that your dog’s muzzle is closed.
- Do not stop administering CPR until your dog’s breathing or pulse becomes apparent again, or help has arrived. If CPR has continued for 10 minutes and has not succeeded, you may stop.
Administering CPR to a dog that weighs over 30 pounds is similar to the process outlined above. However, bigger dogs will need to have their chest compressed from the rib cage area close to the heart and at a rate of 80 compressions a minute.
Creating a First Aid Kit for Pets
If you have a cat, dog, or other pet, the best way to keep them safe during emergencies is to be prepared. Once a first aid kit is put together it can stay in the house or come with you during travels, and can prove extremely useful. Below is a list of the things we find necessary in such kits, but you can add anything else that your pet may require:
- Pet first-aid book
- PET CPR instructions
- Phone numbers of vets and the pet poison control center (1-800-426-4435)
- Any paperwork for your pet (stored in a waterproof container)
- Nylon leash
- Pet bandages
- Nylon muzzle to prevent biting if your dog is aggressive (do not use it if they are having difficulty breathing)
- Gauze pads and rolls
- A foil emergency blanket
- Antiseptic wipes or spray
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide (used in inducing vomiting when a vet or poison control specialist recommends doing so)
- Instant ice pack
- Non-latex disposable gloves
- Rectal thermometer and petroleum jelly
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Saline solution
- Nail clippers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Splints
- Tongue depressors
- Towels
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Flashlight
Although this may seem like a lot of things, it is nothing compared to how you will feel when you are fully prepared in the event of an emergency. In order to keep your first aid kit up to date, make sure to replace anything that is expired. Also keep it out of reach from children and pets.