Basic Canine CPR Techniques

by admin in Pet Care Basics 20 - Last Update November 24, 2025

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I\'ll never forget the day my dog had a severe allergic reaction at the park. For a few terrifying seconds, his breathing became shallow, and I felt a wave of complete helplessness wash over me. I had no idea what to do. That single event was the catalyst for me to enroll in a certified pet first aid and CPR course. It was one of the best decisions I\'ve ever made as a pet parent. Knowing the basics gave me confidence, and I want to share a simplified version of what I learned. This is absolutely not a substitute for hands-on, professional training, but understanding the core principles can make all the difference in an emergency.

Before you begin: The most critical first steps

Before you even think about CPR, you need to assess the situation in seconds. I was taught to remember DR. ABC - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Compressions. First, ensure the area is safe for you and your dog. Second, check for a response. Call their name, gently touch them. If they are unconscious and not breathing, you must call your nearest emergency veterinarian immediately. Put them on speakerphone if you can. CPR is what you do while help is on the way; it is not a replacement for veterinary care.

Step 1: Check the airway (A) and breathing (B)

Lay your dog on their right side on a flat, firm surface. Gently open their mouth and pull the tongue forward to check for any obstruction. If you see something, carefully try to remove it. Be cautious not to push it further down. Once the airway is clear, check for breathing. Watch for the rise and fall of the chest for 5-10 seconds. You can also hold a mirror or your phone screen by their nose to check for condensation. If there\'s no breathing, it\'s time for rescue breaths.

Step 2: Performing rescue breaths

For this part, I learned to think of it as a \'mouth-to-snout\' technique. With your dog\'s airway clear, gently close their mouth. Place your mouth completely over their nose, forming a seal, and give two slow breaths, just enough to see their chest rise. For smaller dogs, be very gentle; you don\'t need a lot of air. It felt strange to practice on a manikin, but I knew it was a skill I needed to have.

The core of CPR: Compressions and cycles

If your dog is not breathing and has no pulse (you can check for a pulse on the inside of the upper back leg/thigh), you can begin chest compressions. The goal here is to manually pump the heart to circulate blood to the vital organs.

Step 3: Finding the right spot for compressions (C)

This was a huge \'aha\' moment for me. The location depends on the dog\'s build. For most dogs, you find the spot by bending their front elbow back to touch the chest—that\'s your target. For deep-chested dogs like Greyhounds, you compress on the highest part of the chest. For barrel-chested dogs like Bulldogs, they may need to be on their back. For my Labrador, I interlace my fingers and place one hand over the other, just like for humans. For a tiny dog, I was taught you might only need the fingers of one hand.

The 30:2 cycle

The rhythm is crucial. The aim is for 100-120 compressions per minute—the beat of the song \'Stayin\' Alive\' is the perfect guide. You perform 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until your dog starts breathing on its own, you arrive at the vet, or you\'re physically unable to continue. It\'s exhausting, but it\'s their best chance. My final piece of advice is to practice. Not on your dog, of course, but find a course, watch certified videos, and mentally walk through the steps. Being prepared is the greatest gift you can give your furry family member. Remember, this advice is based on my certified training, but you should always seek professional veterinary guidance in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my dog really needs CPR?

CPR is a last resort for a dog that is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. First, check for responsiveness by calling their name. Then, look and feel for the rise and fall of their chest. If there's no breathing and you cannot feel a heartbeat (check high on the inner thigh), you should call an emergency vet immediately and begin CPR if they advise it.

What is the correct rate for chest compressions on a dog?

The target rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A great way I learned to keep pace is to perform compressions to the beat of the song 'Stayin' Alive.' This helps maintain a consistent, effective rhythm during a very stressful situation.

Where exactly on the chest do I perform compressions?

For most dogs, lay them on their right side and place your hands over the widest part of their chest, right where their bent elbow would naturally touch. However, this can vary for different body shapes, which is why I always recommend taking a hands-on course to learn the proper technique for different breeds. Your vet can also guide you.

Can I break my dog's ribs while doing CPR?

Unfortunately, yes, there is a risk of fracturing ribs during compressions. However, in a life-or-death scenario where the heart has stopped, a broken rib is a treatable injury, whereas lack of oxygen to the brain is not. The primary goal is to save their life. Always consult your vet immediately.

How do I give a dog rescue breaths?

First, ensure their airway is clear of any obstruction. Then, gently close your dog's mouth and place your mouth over their entire snout, creating a seal. Give two slow breaths, just enough to see their chest visibly rise. Avoid breathing too forcefully, especially with smaller dogs. This is a critical step I learned for providing oxygen.