cpr 101

Page: 1 2 3 4 (of 4)	Previous

cpr for animals

CPR for Cats and Dogs
As with humans, make sure the animal is not breathing and doesn’t have a pulse. An animal that is simply unconscious does not need CPR.

1. Check the airway for obstruction. Gently clear the airway if there is something blocking it.

2. Extend the head to open the airway. For large dogs, close the animal's jaw and cover its nose with your mouth. For medium and small dogs and cats, cover its mouth and nose with your mouth. Give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise.

3. To give chest compressions, you may be able to position large dogs on their backs, similar to humans. For other dogs and cats, especially animals with funnel-shape chests, position them on their sides. Place both hands over the side of the rib cage and give 30 chest compressions. Use this rate of compressions:

a. Dogs 60 lbs. and larger: Give compressions at the rate of 60 compressions per minute (about one compression a second)
b. Animals 11–60 lbs.: Give compressions at the rate of 80–100 compressions per minute
c. Animals 11 lbs. and smaller: Give compressions at the rate of 120 compressions per minute (about two compressions a second)

4. Repeat with two breaths and 30 chest compressions until you can get the animal to a veterinarian.

Take a CPR Class
Many CPR classes now offer training in using an automated external defibrillator (AED). To find a class near you, click here.

Download: CPR Quick Guide

SOURCES: Learn CPR: You Can Do It (Courtesy of the University of Washington Medical School), American Heart Association, WebMD, and Circulation: The Journal of the American Heart Association