As a dog owner, our furry friends are not just pets, but they become a beloved part of our family. Their safety becomes our top most priority. However, there might come a situation where your canine buddy’s life hangs in the balance and it is up to you to intervene. In these circumstances, knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on dogs can be an absolute lifesaver. This article aims to guide you on how to use CPR effectively on dogs.
Firstly, it is paramount that one understands what CPR is. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compression with artificial ventilation to manually preserve brain function until further measures are taken for blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. The same principles are applied when performing CPR on dogs.
Before performing CPR, it’s essential to determine whether the dog actually needs it or not. A dog will need CPR when it’s unconscious and its heart has stopped beating or if it’s not breathing normally. Look out for signs like unresponsiveness, extreme lethargy, difficulty breathing or no breathing at all.
Should you find yourself in this situation, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Clear the Airway: Open your pet’s mouth gently and check for any obstructions such as a foreign object stuck in the throat.
2. Start Chest Compressions: Position your dog on its right side and locate its heart by placing one palm below the pup’s armpit and your other hand directly over that spot but on the left side of its chest cavity.
3. Begin Compressions: For small dogs use less force while large dogs require more pressure during compressions due to their size difference.
4. Rescue Breathing: After giving 15-20 chest compressions then give two rescue breaths. Extend your dog’s neck gently to open up the airway, tightly close its mouth and breathe into its nose until you see the chest rise.
5. Continue the Process: Keep alternating between 15-20 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until your pet starts breathing on its own or professional veterinary assistance is there.
Remember, performing CPR on a dog should not be done if you don’t actually need to. It should only be used as a last resort when all other options have failed.
In conclusion, while it’s never pleasant to think about accidents or emergencies involving our pets, being prepared can potentially save their life. As pet owners, it’s crucial to have basic knowledge about emergency procedures like CPR for dogs. In doing so, we take on the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being.