CPR for Dogs

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is a combination of chest compression and artificial respiration. It is normally used when you cannot feel or hear the dog’s heart beat. Once the dog stops breathing the heart will go into cardiac arrest and cease beating.

Before performing this procedure please keep in mind that Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is hazardous and can cause physical complications or fatal damage if performed on a healthy dog. It should only be performed when necessary.

If you would like to learn how to perform CPR on a cat, please click here.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for puppies/ dogs less than 30 pounds (14 kg):

1. First, lay the dog on a flat surface with its right side against the surface. Then, cup your palms and hold the dog with one palm on either side above the heart region. You can also place your thumb on one side of its chest and keep the fingers on the other side.
2. Now compress the chest for one inch to one-quarter or one-third the width of the chest for a count of one and then let go for a count of one. Carry on at a rate of 100 compressions in a minute.
3. If only one person is available, breathe into the dog’s nose once for every five compressions that are done. If two persons are available, give artificial respiration once every two or three compressions are done.
4. Continue with the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and artificial respiration until the dog begins breathing on its own and the pulse becomes steady. 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for dogs more than 30 lb or 14 kg (medium/large dogs):

1. Lay the dog on a flat surface with its right side against the surface. You will need to stand towards the dog’s back.
2. Put one of your palms on the dog’s rib cage, near the heart region, and put your other palm on top of it. Press the rib cage, without bending both the elbows, in a downward motion.
3. Now compress the chest for one-quarter to one-third the width of the chest for a count of one and then let go for a count of one. Carry on at a rate of 80 compressions per minute.
4. Close the muzzle with your hand before beginning artificial respiration. If only one person is available, breathe into the dog’s nose once for every five compressions that are done. If two persons are available, give artificial respiration once for every two compressions are done.
5. Continue giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation until the dog begins to breathe and has a steady pulse.
6. If the dog does not show any signs of improvement after 10 minutes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, the CPR has not been successful and can be stopped.