Pets are part of the family, and just like learning First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills for adults and children allows you to care for your family, learning important first aid for your cats and dogs can help you best care for them.
Check for breathing and a heartbeat…
Check to see if the pet is breathing and check for a heartbeat. If you do not see your pet’s chest moving and cannot find a heartbeat, begin CPR with chest compressions.
Give chest compressions…
Place your hands on your pet as follows:
For cats, small dogs and deep chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
For deep chested dogs, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
For barrel chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.
Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again.
Perform 30 chest compressions
Then give rescue breaths…
To give rescue breaths, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend the pet’s neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise. Give a second rescue breath.
Continue CPR…
Continue giving CPR with a cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until your dog or cat begins breathing again on its own.
Check again for breathing and a heartbeat…
Briefly check for breathing and a heartbeat every 2 minutes.
Get help…
Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital.
Take Care of Your Family Cats and Dogs. The FREE Pet First Aid App puts veterinary advice for emergencies as well as everyday pet care in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid.
Red Cross also has a Cat and Dog First Aid online course* that will help you be prepared to deliver first aid care for your pets – including CPR.
Cat and Dog First Aid Online Course
*The cost for this online course is $25.00