Imagine your pet collapsing without warning, unresponsive and silent. Panic sets in, but what if you could help? Learning how to do pet CPR might save your furry friend’s life.
Emergencies can happen anytime, and knowing what to do in those moments gives you a better chance to act quickly and effectively. The answers are just ahead. Keep reading.
What Pet CPR Means
Pet CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation for animals, is a way to help pets who are not breathing or whose hearts have stopped beating. It’s similar to human CPR, but there are key differences.
Since animals come in many sizes and shapes, CPR needs to be adjusted for each one. Understanding the basics prepares you to step in during a critical time.
Knowing When to Act
Recognizing when a pet needs CPR is just as important as knowing how to do it. If your pet is not moving, not breathing, or their heart has stopped, CPR may be needed. Sometimes they make strange, weak gasping noises, or their gums may turn pale or blue.
These are signs that something is very wrong. It’s important to check carefully and act right away. Always call your veterinarian or the nearest animal emergency clinic first.
CPR for Small Pets
If you have a cat or a small dog, lay them on their side on a flat surface. First, check their mouth and throat to see if something is blocking their airway. Once the airway is clear, place your hands over the pet’s ribcage.
Using one or both hands, depending on their size, begin pushing down firmly and quickly. The goal is to press about one to two inches deep. After every thirty compressions, gently give two breaths by sealing your mouth over the pet’s nose. Make sure the chest rises with each breath.
Keep going with compressions and breaths until your pet starts breathing or professional help arrives.
CPR for Larger Dogs
For a big dog, the steps are similar, but you may need more strength. Lay your dog on their side and check for anything blocking their throat. Use both hands to press on the widest part of their chest.
Your hands should be one over the other, just like in human CPR. Push down about one to four inches, depending on the size of the dog. Keep the same pace of compressions, around one hundred per minute, and give two breaths after every thirty pushes.
Being Ready for Emergencies
The best time to learn pet CPR is before you need it. Consider taking a pet first aid class from MyCPR NOW, where you can practice in a safe setting. These classes also show you how to handle bleeding, choking, and other emergencies.
Keeping calm during a crisis is hard, but it can help your pet stay calm too. Try to stay focused and remember what you’ve learned. Having your vet’s phone number and your pet’s medical records nearby can save precious time.
Help When It Matters Most
You love your pet like family. Learning pet CPR gives you the power to protect them when things go wrong. It’s not something you ever want to use, but having the knowledge gives you peace of mind.
Emergencies are scary, but with training and care, you can be ready to help your pet when they need you the most. Keep the journey going. Find more engaging content on our blog!
