How to treat an animal who is not breathing or has no heartbeat and is not conscious?

A = AIRWAYS

Is the animal’s throat and mouth clear of foreign objects? If yes go to Breathing.
If No:
1) Lay the animal down on one side.
2) Gently tilt the head slightly back to extend the neck and head.
3) Pull the tongue between the front teeth.
4) Use your finger to check for and remove any foreign material or vomit from the mouth.

B = BREATHING

Breathing rates: Small dog or cat (under 30 pounds): 20 – 30 breaths per minute.
Medium or large dogs (over 30 pounds): 20 breaths per minute.
Is the animal breathing? If yes go to circulation.
If No:
1) Open the airway. See A = Airways.
2) Medium to large dogs: Seal the mouth and lips by placing your hand around the lips, gently holding the muzzle closed.
Cats and small dogs (under 30 lbs.): Your mouth will seal the mouth and lips.
3) Place your mouth over the animal’s nose and forcefully exhale.
4) Give 4 or 5 breaths rapidly then check for breathing. If not breathing, breathing is shallow, or irregular continue artificial respiration until you get to vet or for maximum of 20 min.

C = CIRCULATION

Small dog or cat (< 30 lbs):
1) Lay animal on its right side.
2) Kneel next to your pet with the animal’s chest facing you.
3) Place the palm of one of your hands over the ribs at the point where the animal’s elbow touches the chest. Place your other hand underneath the right side of the animal.
4) Compress the chest ½ – 1 inch.
5) Chest compressions are altered with breath. – If working alone, 5 compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse. If two people, one person does breathing other compressions at rate of 3 compressions for each breath.
Medium to large dogs (30 to 90 lbs):
1) Stand or kneel with the animal’s back towards you.
2) Extend your arms at the elbows. Cup your hands over each other.
3) Compress chest at the point where left elbow lies when pulled back to the chest.
4) Compress chest 1 – 3 inches with each compression.
5) Chest compressions are altered with breath. – If working alone, 5 compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse. If two people, one person does breathing other compressions at rate of 2 or 3 compressions for each breath.

Giant dogs (> 90 lbs):
1) Stand or kneel with the animal’s back towards you.
2) Extend your arms at the elbows. Cup your hands over each other.
3) Compress chest at the point where left elbow lies when pulled back to the chest.
4) Compress chest 1 – 3 inches with each compression.
5) Chest compressions are altered with breath. – If working alone, 10 compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse. If two people, one person does breathing other compressions at rate of 6 compressions for each breath.

Your trainer and CPR expert

Susie

Posted In Dog Wellness