CPR for Dogs and Cats - We Know How
Are You Prepared to Save Your Pet’s Life? CPR for Dogs and Cats
At Evergreen Local, we understand how easy it is to underestimate our ability to handle emergencies involving our pets. But when disaster strikes and your beloved dog or cat needs CPR, will you be ready? At Evergreen Local, we are prepared—and we want to help you be too.
Knowing how to save a life, especially that of your furry friend, can make all the difference. While performing CPR on a pet can be daunting, being prepared can help you stay calm and act swiftly in an emergency.
Stay Calm in a Pet Emergency
The first step in any emergency is keeping your composure. Here's how:
Breathe: Take a moment to steady yourself with deep breaths. Focusing on the air filling your lungs can help reduce panic and clear your head.
Delegate: If others are present, assign tasks. For example, someone could find the nearest emergency vet while you focus on the pet.
Focus: Block out distractions and keep your attention on the steps ahead. Concentrating on the task at hand will help you remain effective.
When Should You Start CPR on a Pet?
Knowing when to act is crucial. You should begin CPR if:
Your pet is unresponsive.
Your pet is not breathing.
You cannot feel a heartbeat or pulse.
How to Perform CPR on Your Pet
1. Chest Compressions
Position your pet: Lay your pet on their side.
Compressions: For medium to large dogs, deliver 120 compressions per minute (about 2 per second). Compress to about one-third of the chest depth. For small dogs and cats, use your thumb and fingers to compress directly over the heart.
Cycle: For every 30 compressions, administer 2 rescue breaths.
2. Rescue Breaths
Seal your pet’s mouth: Close their mouth using your fingers.
Give breaths: Place your mouth over your pet's nose and give 2 breaths, just enough to make their chest rise.
Check for a pulse: After 2 minutes, stop and check for a heartbeat. If there's no pulse, continue with CPR.
When to Stop CPR
CPR should continue until one of the following occurs:
Your pet begins breathing on their own.
You arrive at a veterinary clinic, and professionals take over.
You are physically unable to continue.
Your pet starts breathing but remains unconscious. In this case, place your pet in the recovery position: lay their head to the side with a slight tilt downward to avoid choking, unless there's head trauma.
Compression Techniques by Pet Size
Medium to Large Dogs: Compress the chest to about one-third its depth.
Small Dogs/Cats: Use your thumb and fingers for compressions, or press directly over the heart.
Be Prepared, Stay Informed
Taking the time to learn CPR for pets can save a life in an emergency. While we hope you’ll never need to use these skills, knowing them ensures you can act decisively if the need arises.
At Evergreen Local, we're committed to ensuring our community is equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle emergencies confidently. Stay prepared, and know that you can make a difference in your pet’s life!
