Basic Pet CPR Steps

by admin in Pet Care Basics 11 - Last Update December 5, 2025

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I\'ll never forget the panic I felt when my golden retriever, Max, collapsed during a game of fetch years ago. My mind went completely blank. Was he breathing? What was I supposed to do? That terrifying moment was the wake-up call I needed. I immediately enrolled in a pet first aid course, and learning CPR gave me a sense of control I desperately wished I\'d had that day. Thankfully, Max was okay, but I promised myself I’d never feel so helpless again. Learning these basic steps isn\'t about becoming a vet overnight; it\'s about giving your best friend a fighting chance until you can get them professional help.

Before you begin: assess the situation first

Before jumping into CPR, you have to check if your pet actually needs it. This is the \'ABCs\' I learned, and it\'s a crucial first step. Shouting your pet\'s name and gently nudging them is the first thing to do. If they\'re unresponsive, you need to check their Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

A: Airway

Carefully open their mouth. Be cautious, as even an unconscious animal can bite reflexively. Pull their tongue forward and look for any foreign objects. If you see something, try to sweep it out with your finger. If the airway is clear, move on.

B: Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breath for about 5-10 seconds. Watch their chest for movement, put your ear near their nose and mouth to listen for sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. If there\'s no breathing, you may need to give rescue breaths.

C: Circulation (or Compressions)

Check for a pulse. The easiest place to find it is on the inside of the back leg, high up where the leg joins the body (the femoral artery). If you can\'t find a pulse and your pet isn\'t breathing, it\'s time to begin compressions.

How to perform pet CPR

Remember, the goal is to get to a veterinarian immediately. If possible, have one person drive while another performs CPR in the car. It’s an incredibly stressful situation, but trying to stay calm and methodical is key. This is the process I was taught, but I can\'t stress enough that a hands-on course is invaluable. And always, always consult your vet for guidance specific to your pet\'s health.

Chest compressions

The technique varies slightly depending on your pet\'s size.

For most dogs and cats: Lay them 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, stack your hands like you would for human CPR. 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 perform compressions on the breastbone (sternum).

The goal is to compress the chest to about 1/3 to 1/2 of its normal depth. The rate is what\'s most important: aim for 100-120 compressions per minute. I find humming the rhythm of the song \"Stayin\' Alive\" helps keep the right pace, just like in human first aid.

Rescue breaths

After 30 compressions, you give two rescue breaths. Close your pet\'s mouth and lips firmly and breathe directly into their nose until you see the chest rise. Let the chest fall, then give a second breath. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until your pet starts breathing on its own or you arrive at the vet clinic. It\'s exhausting, but it can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my pet actually needs CPR?

Only perform CPR if your pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. First, check for responsiveness by calling their name and gently touching them. Then, check for breathing by watching their chest and feeling for air from their nose. Lastly, check for a pulse on the inner thigh (femoral artery). If all three are absent, begin CPR while immediately heading to an emergency vet.

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

The target rate for chest compressions for both dogs and cats is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A great way to keep pace is to hum the beat of the song 'Stayin' Alive.' This is a guideline, and the most important thing is to be consistent while en route to a veterinarian.

Is CPR for cats different than for dogs?

The basic principles (30 compressions to 2 breaths) are the same, but the technique is adapted for size. For cats and very small dogs, you can often perform compressions by encircling their chest with one hand and squeezing, rather than using two hands. The depth of compression should still be about 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest. Always consult a vet for advice, as a hands-on course is the best way to learn these nuances.

Should I perform rescue breaths if I'm not comfortable?

If you are unable or uncomfortable performing rescue breaths, compression-only CPR is still beneficial. Continuous chest compressions help circulate any remaining oxygen in the blood to vital organs. The most critical part of CPR is maintaining blood flow through effective compressions until you can reach a veterinary professional.

Can I cause harm by performing CPR incorrectly?

In a situation where CPR is truly needed (no breathing, no pulse), the pet is already in cardiac arrest, and the risk of inaction is far greater than the risk of injury. While incorrect technique could potentially cause a rib fracture, this is a manageable injury compared to death. The primary goal is to save a life. However, this is why taking a certified pet first-aid course is highly recommended to learn proper technique.