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CPR can save your dog’s life! Teaching pet owners how to administer CPR is a program supported by animal health organizations and by the American Red Cross. For the well being of the pet, it would be advantageous if at least one family member knows how to administer CPR. CPR means cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This chest compression and rescue breathing is aimed to resuscitate the pet that have had cardiac arrest. Pets that have had cardiac arrest are given CPR  as this procedure stabilizes the pet’s condition while waiting for professional veterinary care.

A dog’s life can be endangered when the pet gnaws electric wires, ingests poisonous substances and objects that can create a blockage of the airway.  Prevention will naturally be the best bet to save the pet from these life threatening conditions. However, we know that accidents can never be prevented given the energetic and inquisitive nature of the pet. An owner’s best option is to get ready for any eventuality by learning how to administer first aid treatments. Competency of the owner to administer CPR can stabilize the condition before the pet is transported to a veterinary facility. This first aid method and life saving skill can give the pet owner the chance to have more enjoyable days jogging or playing fetch with the pet. To be able to save the life of the pet with CPR, an owner has to learn how to give artificial respiration and chest compression competently. The same with human CPR, this life saving skill for the pet has to follow the ABC process.

A is for the dog’s airway. The first step is to check if the dog’s airway is not blocked. Artificial respiration will be ineffective if the dog’s airway is blocked. Extend the dog’s head, open the mouth and try to see if a foreign object is blocking the airway. If there is a blockage, it can be dislodged by doing the Heimlich maneuver.

Rescue breathing can begin once the airway is cleared. While lying on his side, hold the mouth of the pet close and with the mouth over the dog’s nose blow to make the chest move.  One breath every 3 seconds must be given until the pet is breathing on its own. Breathing at full lung capacity is necessary if the dog that is being resuscitated is large. Rescue breathing for smaller dogs must be just enough to make the chest rise and not to inflate the lungs.

Chest compression is done to a dog that has lost consciousness and to one that has no pulse nor heartbeat. The palm of the hand must be positioned over the dog’s heart. With the other hand placed on top of the other start compression. Compression must be done at the rate of 3 compressions every 2 seconds. While administering CPR check signs of breathing periodically

Sarah’s Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs and CPR.

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