CPR for Dogs: What to Do When Your Pet Has Stopped Breathing

Stay calm!

Staying calm when your dog is not breathing is essential if you are to act effectively. Panic can lead to poor decisions and heightens stress, which affects both the owner and the animal. In a crisis, keeping calm lets you concentrate better on the task in hand, assess the situation and carry out resuscitation properly. Emotional turmoil can cloud your ability to take the right steps, so at such moments it is important to focus on the guidelines that could save your pet’s life. Knowing that what we do really matters, we can take the necessary steps with greater confidence to help our four-legged friend.

A dog’s vital signs

Dog owners can check a few key health parameters themselves that may indicate their pet is unwell. One of the most important is body temperature, which should normally be between 38 and 39.2 degrees Celsius. 

Another important parameter is the pulse, which in a healthy dog is usually between 60 and 120 beats per minute depending on the dog’s size – small breeds tend to have a faster heart rate. The breathing rate also matters, and its normal range is 10 to 30 breaths per minute depending on how active the dog is. 

Other indicators are the colour of the gums, which should be light pink, and the general condition of the coat and body. Marked changes in these parameters, such as a raised temperature, a racing pulse, breathing difficulties or a change in gum colour, may point to a health problem and should prompt an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Monitoring these indicators regularly can help you spot any ailments early.

CPR for dogs

1. Check the animal’s condition

The first step when you notice your dog is not breathing is to check its condition carefully to establish whether breathing really has stopped and whether the dog is conscious. Gently shake the dog or call its name to see if it responds. If the animal shows no signs of life, move on to assessing its breathing – go to its muzzle and watch whether the chest rises and falls. You can also put your ear to the dog’s nose to listen for breathing sounds. It is important to stay calm and concentrate on any signals the dog may be giving. If you cannot detect breathing but the heart is beating, focus on securing the airway and prepare for resuscitation. A quick, accurate assessment of the dog’s condition is crucial for the life-saving steps that follow.

2. Preparing for resuscitation

Before starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a dog, it is essential to prepare properly and make the animal safe. First, make sure the dog is lying on a firm, flat surface so that chest compressions can be effective. If the dog is unconscious but responds to stimuli, make the area around it safe to avoid the risk of injury. It is also important to check whether the dog’s airway is blocked; if necessary, clear the mouth of any obstruction, such as food or a foreign object. 

Lay the dog on its side with its head tilted downwards to allow air to flow freely. With large dogs, place one hand on the lower part of the chest and the other on top to provide proper support during compressions. Remember that staying calm and confident is key – what you do will have a major bearing on what happens to your pet. 

3. Resuscitation

To perform CPR on a dog, start with chest compressions. For small and medium-sized dogs, use two fingers placed on the lower part of the chest and give 30 compressions per minute. For large dogs, use the whole palm of your hand, placing it on the lower part of the chest, and likewise give 30 compressions. Make sure the compressions are firm enough to make the chest rise, but not so hard that they cause harm. After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths – ideally hold the dog’s muzzle closed with both hands and blow air into its nose and mouth (if the muzzle is sealed) so that the chest rises. Repeat this cycle – 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths – continuing resuscitation for 5–10 minutes, or until the dog starts breathing on its own or veterinary help arrives. Remember to keep monitoring the dog’s condition and adjust the intensity of your efforts according to how the animal responds.

4. After resuscitation, contact a veterinarian!

After successful resuscitation, once the dog regains consciousness and starts breathing on its own, it is vital to contact a veterinarian without delay. Even if your pet seems to be in better shape, its condition may still be uncertain and needs a professional assessment. A dog that has been resuscitated may be weak, disoriented or have trouble with coordination. Avoid giving food or water, as this can lead to further complications. The veterinarian will carry out the necessary examinations to assess the dog’s overall health and establish why it lost consciousness. These steps are extremely important for ongoing care and for avoiding serious health consequences. Remember that a quick response and expert help can save your pet’s life.

First aid kit

Keeping a first aid kit for your dog at home is extremely important so that you are prepared for emergencies. Such a kit should contain the essentials: bandages, gauze, plasters, scissors, disposable gloves, as well as disinfectants and wound ointments. It is also worth including a thermometer, painkillers recommended by your veterinarian and instructions for basic first aid procedures. High-quality first aid kits for animals are available from the  Zviropolis Veterinary Clinic, where you will find sets tailored to the needs of our pets. With a well-stocked kit, we are better prepared to respond quickly in a crisis, which can significantly improve the chances of helping our pet quickly and effectively.

Summary

In emergencies such as respiratory arrest or loss of consciousness, a quick and appropriate response can make the difference between life and death for our pet. It is worth being aware of the signs that may indicate a health problem and knowing the basic resuscitation techniques. It is also crucial not to forget the importance of professional veterinary care, which is essential after any such intervention.