GotoAID Dogs - CPR - Medium to Large Dog

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CPR - Medium to Large Dog

If you can't find a pulse or hear a heartbeat it is essential to start chest compressions to force blood through the body.

Symptoms

No Heartbeat	Unconscious
No Pulse

Steps

Check that your dog’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your dog’s chest and/or feeling for your dog’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR outlined below.

With dog on its side locate the heart which is easily found at the point where the elbow bends to meet the chest

For medium & large dogs, begin chest compressions over the point of the heart using a hand over hand technique over the highest point of the chest and locking your elbows as you go with the dog laying on its side

Place one hand on the dog's rib cage near the heart and place your other hand on top of the first

Press down firmly and vigorously with both hands compressing the chest by 25-50% for a rate of 2 compressions per second or 100 - 120 compressions per minute

Give artificial respiration by giving 1 breath for every 10 compressions

Continue CPR and artificial respiration until the dog begins breathing on his own or his pulse becomes stable

Warnings

If you have barrel chested dog like a bull dog lay him on his back, cross his paws over his breastbone and kneel with his abdomen between your legs, hold his paw and perform CPR

DO NOT worry about breaking any rib bones as they can heal later, larger dogs need a lot of compression

Pinch your dog firmly between his toes or tap his eyelids, if there is no response start CPR immediately

Feel for a pulse by placing 3 fingers flat against the femoral artery on the inside of the thigh at the groin and you should feel it

Feel for a heartbeat by placing your palm flat against his lower chest directly behind the left front elbow

Tips

If able place a small pillow or rolled blanket under the lower part of his chest

Try to give 60-100 compressions per minute your goal is to give 100-120 compressions and 15-20 breaths per minute until you get medical help

If your dog does not show any signs of improvement after 10 minutes the CPR has been unsuccessful and can be stopped.

If you are squeamish about breathing for a dog, chest compressions alone can also be successful.

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Suggestions

CPR - Medium to Large Dog

CPR - Small Dog

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