{"id":968,"date":"2022-01-20T21:27:30","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T21:27:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/?p=968"},"modified":"2025-09-10T17:13:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T17:13:04","slug":"how-to-perform-dog-cpr-cat-cpr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/how-to-guides-helpful-tips\/how-to-perform-dog-cpr-cat-cpr\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Perform Dog CPR and Cat CPR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Truth to be told, CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is frequently unsuccessful. This is mainly because our pets often have an underlying medical condition that compromises a positive outcome. But in some cases, it can save lives! We all hope we never find ourselves needing to perform<\/strong> dog CPR or cat CPR<\/strong>\u2026 But still, we never know what the future holds. So why not learn the theory behind CPR? That\u2019s what this article is all about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from situations in which pets are ill, choking is the most common event that asks for CPR and that has some chance of success. Others, such as drowning or cardiac arrest, might also require this maneuver and there is usually no time to waste! Learning the basics about CPR is quick and simple, but attending a live first-aid course is the best way to put into practice what is described below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go through the ABCs first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This is the first thing you should go through before performing dog CPR or cat CPR. It will help you know if CPR is really needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Airway<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Check the pet\u2019s airway for any sign of obstruction. Pull the tongue forward and assess the throat. If needed, clear the airway using your hands or the Heimlich maneuver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Breathing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Verify that the pet is not breathing by moving them onto their right side and checking if the chest moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s hard to tell, try holding a flat surface like your phone screen up in front of the pet\u2019s nose and see if breath comes out from the nostrils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the pet is unconscious but breathing, do not perform CPR – take them to a vet right away instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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– Heartbeat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With the pet on their right side, bend their front leg up so that their elbow touches the chest. The place where the elbow touches the ribs is where the heartbeat should be the strongest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing your hand over that point is the easiest way to feel the heartbeat, but you can also look for any movement on the chest wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the pet has a heartbeat but is not breathing, chest compressions are not needed. At this point, artificial respiration is all you will have to do! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, bear in mind that if you cannot see the chest moving nor find a heartbeat, CPR with chest compressions should be done right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete CPR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Assuming you’ve assessed the situation and CPR is needed, let\u2019s get to how to perform dog CPR and cat CPR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 – Chest Compressions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The first step consists of chest compressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Place your hands on the pet\u2019s chest as follows:\n