An Overview of CPR for Dogs
An Overview of Cpr for Dogs
If you own a dog, his health and safety are your top priority. You research the best dog groomers, veterinarians, dog kennels, and doggy day care services in San Jose. But do you know how to save your dog’s life if an emergency occurs in your own home? Learning how to perform CPR on your dog may be one of the most valuable things you do to protect your four-legged friend. Keep reading for an overview on CPR for dogs, and make sure the pet hotel or dog boarding facility you choose for your canine companion trains its staff on how to provide doggie CPR.
What is Dog CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a procedure that is performed manually on humans and animals when their heart has stopped pumping blood throughout the body. The procedure involves performing chest compressions with both hands to attempt to manually stimulate the heart into pumping again. CPR must be performed on your dog immediately after he stops breathing, as this gives you the best chance of keeping his blood pumping and preventing cardiac arrest.
How to Perform CPR on Dogs That Weigh Less Than 30 Pounds
Your dog should be on a flat surface, lying on his right side. With your hands slightly cupped, place them next to each other on your dog’s chest, over his heart. Press downwards with your hands so that approximately ¼ of the width of the dog’s chest is compressed. Hold your hands down for one second, then release your pressure for one second. Continue doing this at the rate of 100 compressions per minute, or until the dog begins breathing on his own.
How to Perform CPR on Dogs That Weight More Than 30 Pounds
Your dog should be on a flat surface, lying on his right side. Place one of your hands on the dog’s chest, over the rib cage and near his heart. Place your other hand over this hand. Press the rib cage downwards without bending your elbows so that approximately ¼ the width of the dog’s chest is compressed. Continue doing this at the rate of 80 compressions per minute, or until the dog begins breathing on his own.
