Dog First Aid and CPR: Essential Steps and Techniques

When administering first aid to a dog that isn't breathing, it's crucial to determine whether their heart is still beating. The approach differs depending on their condition. If you can detect a pulse, you should provide rescue breaths only. This scenario is common in cases like drowning, where the dog may have inhaled water but their heart is still functioning.

Providing Rescue Breaths

For dogs that have stopped breathing but still have a pulse, follow these steps:

• Give five rescue breaths initially, then observe for natural breathing.
• Allow at least 10 seconds to assess if the dog begins to breathe on their own.

Technique for Rescue Breaths

Perform mouth-to-snout breaths for dogs:

• Keep the dog's mouth closed and pull their tongue to the side to prevent obstruction.
• Aim your mouth towards the dog's nose. For smaller animals, you may need to cover both the nose and mouth.
• Ensure you allow the breath to exit completely by not keeping your mouth on the dog's nose.
• Watch the dog's chest to see if it rises. In deep-chested dogs, chest movement may be less visible.
• Deliver breaths with intervals of up to three seconds between each.

Starting CPR

If the dog does not start breathing or if you can't detect a pulse, proceed with full CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):

• Begin with five rescue breaths, then switch to two breaths and thirty chest compressions.
• Place the dog on their right side, if possible, for optimal compression.
• For chest compressions, locate the heart by bending the dog's front leg and finding the elbow's junction with the chest.
• Compress the chest to about 50% of its depth.
• Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• If possible, work with a partner to alternate between breaths and compressions.

Handling Different Sizes of Dogs

The technique for chest compressions varies by the dog's size and body type:

• Small Dogs: Use circumferential compression by encircling the chest with your hands.
• Large, Round-Chested Dogs: Perform sternal compressions around the area where the armpit meets the chest.

Key Considerations

Always ensure full recoil between compressions to allow the heart to refill effectively. Continue with the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths, reassessing every few minutes. If there is no sign of life after 10 minutes, the chance of recovery is minimal.

Despite the low success rate, attempting CPR offers the best chance for your dog's survival. Remember, doing something is better than doing nothing. Even if the outcome is uncertain, your efforts give your dog a fighting chance.