Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital CPR Resources

CPR is necessary if your dog or cat is not breathing or has no pulse. Some possible causes include choking,  unconsciousness from drowning or shock,  poisoning, or an allergic reaction. Refer to these steps if your pet needs CPR:

1. Lay the dog or cat on his or her side and remove any obstructions in the airway. Open the mouth, pull the tongue forward, extend the neck, and sweep the mouth with your finger.
2. If the airway is clear, extend the neck, hold the tongue out of the mouth & close the animal’s jaws over the tongue.
3. Holding jaws closed, breathe into both nostrils for 5 to 6 breaths. If no response, continue artificial respiration (see below). If there is no pulse, begin cardiac compressions.
4. Depress the widest part of the chest wall 1.5 to 3 inches with one or two hands. Refer to the compressions per minute (below) list for weight-specific info.
5. Continue artificial respiration. Refer to the breaths per minute list (below) for weight-specific info.