Basic CPR Steps for Your Pet

by admin in Pet Care Basics 15 - Last Update November 22, 2025

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I’ll never forget the sheer panic I felt years ago when a friend’s dog collapsed at the park. We were all frozen, unsure of what to do. That feeling of helplessness was awful, and it’s what pushed me to get certified in pet first aid. Knowing these skills doesn\'t make emergencies less scary, but it replaces panic with purpose. I want to share the foundational steps of CPR that I learned, not to replace a vet visit, but to give you a fighting chance to help your beloved companion in those critical moments before you can get professional help.

Before you begin: assess the situation first

Before you jump into CPR, you have to remember the \'ABCs\' of pet first aid. It’s a quick check to see what’s really going on. I always tell people to take a deep breath and go through these steps methodically.

Airway: Is their airway clear? Gently open their mouth, pull the tongue forward, and look for any obstructions. If you see something, carefully try to remove it.
Breathing: Are they breathing? Watch their chest for any rise and fall. You can also hold a small mirror or your phone screen near their nose to check for condensation.
Circulation: Do they have a pulse? The easiest place to find it is the femoral artery, high on the inside of their back leg. Press gently with two fingers.

If your pet is not breathing and has no pulse, it’s time to start CPR. Please remember, this is a last-resort effort intended to keep blood and oxygen moving until you can reach an emergency veterinarian. This is what I was taught, but I always stress that a hands-on course is invaluable and you should always be on the phone with an emergency vet if possible.

The C-A-B of pet CPR: compressions, airway, breathing

Unlike human CPR which often starts with \'A\', for pets we\'re taught to start with chest compressions to get that blood moving immediately. Think C-A-B: Compressions, Airway, Breathing.

Step 1: Chest compressions

How you do this really depends on the size of your pet. This was the biggest \'aha\' moment for me during my training.

For most dogs and cats: Have them lie on their right side on a firm surface. Place your hands over the widest part of their chest, right behind their front leg. For large dogs, you\'ll stack your hands like you would for a human. For smaller dogs or cats, you might use one hand or even just your thumb and fingers to encircle their chest.
For barrel-chested dogs (like Bulldogs): It\'s often better to have them on their back and do compressions on the sternum, just like with a human.

The goal is to compress the chest to about 1/3 to 1/2 of its depth at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. A trick I learned is to pump to the beat of the song \"Stayin\' Alive\" – it’s the perfect tempo.

Step 2: Rescue breaths

After 30 chest compressions, it’s time for breaths.

Make sure their airway is still clear.
Gently close your pet’s mouth and extend their neck to create a straight line.
Place your mouth over their nose, creating a seal.
Give two slow breaths, just enough to see their chest rise. Don\'t blow too hard, especially for small animals.
Return to chest compressions immediately.

Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. It\'s physically demanding. If you have someone with you, switch every two minutes to avoid getting exhausted. Your goal is to continue CPR until your pet starts breathing on their own or until a veterinarian can take over. Never, ever delay transport to the vet to perform CPR; if possible, perform it in the car on the way there.

This is not a substitute for veterinary care

I can\'t say this enough: pet CPR is a bridge. It’s the tool you use to keep your pet\'s body viable while you are rushing to an emergency clinic. My hope is that you never have to use this information, but I’ve found that just knowing the steps provides a profound sense of peace. It turns panic into a plan, and in an emergency, a plan is everything. I strongly encourage every pet owner to look into local pet first aid and CPR certification courses. The hands-on practice is something an article just can\'t replicate, and it’s an investment in your pet\'s safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my pet really needs CPR?

You should only perform CPR if your pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no detectable heartbeat or pulse. Check for breathing by watching their chest for movement, and try to feel for a pulse on the inside of their upper back leg (the femoral artery). If you are unsure, it is always best to rush to the nearest emergency vet. This information is for dire emergencies and is not a substitute for a professional veterinary assessment.

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

The recommended rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A helpful tip I learned is to pump to the beat of the song 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees, which falls right within that range. The key is to be consistent and firm. Always consult with a vet or certified trainer for hands-on practice.

Is pet CPR different for cats and small dogs versus large dogs?

Yes, the technique varies significantly with size. For most cats and small dogs, you can often encircle their chest with one hand, placing your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other to squeeze. For larger dogs, you'll place them on their side and use two stacked hands over the widest part of their chest, similar to human CPR. It's crucial to adapt the pressure to the animal's size.

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

Unfortunately, yes, breaking a rib is a known risk of performing CPR correctly on both pets and humans. While it's a serious concern, the consensus in the veterinary and first aid community is that a broken rib is a treatable injury, whereas a stopped heart is fatal. In a life-or-death situation, the priority is to restore circulation. Always have a vet check your pet immediately after any such event.

Should I stop performing CPR to drive to the vet?

The absolute priority is getting to an emergency veterinarian. Ideally, one person drives while another performs CPR in the car. If you are alone, perform CPR for about two minutes and then drive as fast as safely possible to the clinic. It's a judgment call, but professional veterinary intervention is the ultimate goal.