Dog CPR and Rescue Breathing: Steps for Emergencies

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

No one wants to use CPR, but knowing the basics can make a difference. This guide is general information, so take a hands-on course if you can.

Before you begin

Make sure the scene is safe, particularly around traffic, water or electrical hazards. An injured dog may bite, so protect yourself. Call or ask someone to call the nearest emergency vet while you begin, and put the phone on speaker.

Check responsiveness

Gently call your dog's name and touch him. If he responds, he does not need CPR, but he does need a vet. If he does not respond, continue.

Check breathing and heartbeat

1. Look and listen: watch the chest for movement and feel for breath at the nose for up to ten seconds.
2. Feel for a pulse on the inner thigh, the femoral artery, or place your hand on the chest behind the left elbow to feel a heartbeat.
3. Check gum color: blue, gray or white gums suggest poor oxygen.

If your dog is breathing and has a heartbeat, do not start CPR. If he is choking, see dog choking first aid.

Compressions

• Lay your dog on his right side on a firm surface, unless he is barrel-chested like a bulldog, in which case you may place him on his back.
• Hand position: for most dogs, place the heel of your hand over the widest part of the chest, just behind the elbow. For small dogs and puppies, wrap one hand around the chest and compress with your thumb and fingers.
• Depth: compress about one third to one half the width of the chest.
• Rate: about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, roughly the beat of a popular upbeat song.
• Allow full recoil between compressions.

Rescue breaths

After 30 compressions, give two breaths:

1. Check the mouth for obstructions.
2. Close the mouth and extend the neck so the head and neck are in a straight line.
3. Seal your mouth over the nose, blowing gently until the chest rises.
4. Give two breaths, each about one second, then resume compressions.

For small dogs, give smaller breaths. Do not over-inflate.

Cycles and teamwork

Continue cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths, switching rescuers every two minutes if someone else can help. Keep going while traveling to the vet, if safe.

After CPR

Even if your dog responds, he needs urgent veterinary care for the underlying cause and complications. Keep him warm and still.

Preventing emergencies

Common causes of arrest include drowning, choking, poisoning, trauma and heat stroke. See dog drowning and water safety, dog heatstroke and dog poisoning: what to do.

Get trained

Organizations such as the Red Cross and veterinary groups run pet first aid classes with practice manikins. Practicing on a stuffed toy is not the same as proper training.

Common mistakes

• Starting CPR on a breathing dog
• Compressing too slowly
• Over-inflating the lungs
• Skipping the call to the vet

Troubleshooting

• I cannot find a pulse: do not waste time, begin CPR if the dog is unresponsive and not breathing.
• My dog is big and barrel-chested: adjust position as above.
• Ribs crack: continue.

A simple plan

1. Check the scene and your dog.
2. Call the vet.
3. Compress and breathe.
4. Travel while continuing.

Real-life examples

A swimmer revives a dog pulled from a pool and heads to the clinic. A hiker performs CPR for several minutes while a friend drives. A family attends a first aid class and feels more prepared. Training builds confidence.

Preparation

Knowledge is the best tool in an emergency.

The takeaway

CPR is a last resort and needs immediate vet follow-up. Take a class and keep emergency numbers handy.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.