CPR for Pets: What to Know About Dog and Cat CPR
Pets are part of our family, so just as we learn CPR for humans, knowing pet CPR could one day save your beloved pets life (redcross.org). Veterinarians report that when pet owners start CPR right away, many pets survive and even recover with a good quality of life (heart.org). In an emergency every minute counts – having basic pet emergency first aid skills, especially pet CPR, gives your furry friend their best chance until you reach professional care.
TL;DR
Pet CPR keeps oxygenated blood moving when a dog or cat is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no heartbeat. Use ~30 quick chest compressions followed by 2 mouth-to-snout breaths, repeat, and get to a vet ASAP. Techniques differ by pet size and body type, and a muzzle/towel may be needed for safety. Learn pet CPR from a reputable course (e.g., Red Cross), and prep now with emergency numbers and a pet first-aid kit.
When to Use Pet CPR
You should only perform pet CPR when a pet is truly unresponsive, not breathing, and has no heartbeat. This typically happens in dire emergencies. For example, pet CPR may be necessary in situations like:
Choking: If your dog or cat chokes on an object and stops breathing after you remove the obstruction (or if you cannot dislodge it and they lose consciousness)
Drowning or Suffocation: After a near-drowning incident or severe lack of oxygen (smoke inhalation, etc.) where the pet isn’t breathing
Cardiac arrest: Sudden collapse from heart failure or electrocution – if the pet’s heart stops beating unexpectedly.
Severe trauma or accidents: For instance, being hit by a car or any major injury causing the pet to become unresponsive with no signs of breathing.
Poisoning or other health crises: Certain toxins or acute medical events (like anaphylactic shock) can lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest requiring CPR.
In any case, check first if the pet is breathing or has a pulse – if they are, CPR is not needed and could be harmful. If you see no chest movement and find no heartbeat, begin CPR immediately while getting someone to contact a vet or emergency animal hospital. (redcross.org)
Steps for Dog and Cat CPR
1. Check breathing and responsiveness. Before starting CPR, quickly assess your pet. Are they unconscious, not breathing, and have no heartbeat? If you do not see any breathing and cannot detect a heartbeat, start CPR immediately (redcross.org). (If another person is present, have them call a vet or emergency clinic to alert them while you proceed with CPR.)
2. Give chest compressions. Lay your pet on their side on a firm surface (for most breeds). Begin chest compressions to circulate blood. For large dogs, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest (just behind the front legs) and put your other hand on top, keeping your elbows locked – similar to human CPR on an adult (heart.org.) For small dogs or cats, use one hand to encircle the chest and compress with your thumb and fingers, or use the heel of one hand on the chest – do not apply two-handed weight as you would on a big dog. Count out about 30 quick compressions in rhythm before giving rescue breaths (described next) (heart.org.)
3. Perform rescue breathing (mouth-to-snout). After roughly 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths to get oxygen into your pet’s lungs (heart.org). Gently close your pet’s mouth and extend their neck to straighten the airway. Place your mouth over the pet’s nostrils (covering the nose entirely to form a seal) and exhale steadily into their nose until you see the pet’s chest rise (redcross.org). Give a second breath the same way (redcross.org). Make sure no air leaks out and that the chest visibly rises with each breath.
4. Continue cycles of CPR and get to a vet. Keep repeating the pattern of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths continuously (redcross.org). After about 2 cycles, pause briefly to check if your pet has started breathing or if a heartbeat is felt; if not, continue CPR. Do not give up quickly – it may take several cycles. Ideally, have someone drive you to the nearest animal ER while you continue CPR in the car (heart.org).
Differences Between Pet and Human CPR
CPR for dogs and cats is very similar to human CPR in technique – the chest compression rate and the 30:2 compressions-to-breaths ratio are the same for pets and people (heart.org). However, there are some important differences to remember when performing CPR on an animal versus a person:
Mouth-to-Snout vs. Mouth-to-Mouth: When giving breaths to a pet, you breathe into the animal’s nose (mouth-to-snout resuscitation) to deliver air into their lungs most effectively (heart.org). With humans, by contrast, you pinch the nose and breathe into the mouth.
Body Positioning: Human CPR is done with the person lying on their back. For pet CPR, the animal is usually placed on their side to compress the chest. (One exception: barrel-chested dogs like Bulldogs may be laid on their back for compressions on the breastbone (heart.org).) This side-lying position is more natural for most four-legged animals to allow effective compressions.
Hand Placement & Technique: The chest anatomy of pets differs from humans, so hand placement can vary by pet size and shape. With an adult human, you always press on the center of the chest with two hands. With pets, large dogs also get two-handed compressions, but small dogs and cats should not be given two-handed, heavy compressions (heart.org). Instead, use one hand or even your fingers to compress a small pet’s chest more gently (you can wrap your hand around the chest for tiny animals and squeeze). Adjust your technique to the pet’s size – a Chihuahua’s CPR will look different from a Great Dane’s.
Emergency Help Protocol: In a human cardiac emergency, we’re taught to call 911 immediately. With pets, 911 will not dispatch paramedics for an animal, so your focus should be on starting CPR and arranging transport to a vet. Have someone call your veterinarian or a 24-hour animal hospital to alert them instead.
Where to Learn Pet CPR
Learning pet CPR from a professional source is highly recommended so you can perform it confidently. One great option is the American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course, which teaches you how to check your pet’s vital signs and perform pet CPR and first aid at home (redcross.org). These hands-on courses, often endorsed by groups like the Red Cross or veterinary associations, can give you the knowledge and practice needed to act quickly in a real pet crisis. Check with your vet or local animal shelter/humane society for pet CPR and first aid workshops in your area, or take advantage of reputable online programs.
Tips for Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for pet emergencies can make you a calmer, more effective rescuer. Here are some tips for pet emergency preparedness so you’re ready if something happens:
Post Important Phone Numbers: Keep your veterinarian’s number and the nearest 24/7 emergency animal hospital contact info in an obvious place (saved in your phone and pinned on your refrigerator). In a crisis, you don’t want to scramble for these details (aspca.org). You may also want the Pet Poison Control hotline number handy if your pet ever ingests something toxic.
Have a Pet First Aid Kit: Prepare a small pet first aid kit with basic medical supplies for your animals. Many items in a human first aid kit (gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, etc.) can be used for pets too, but include pet-specific needs like a leash, muzzle (for safety), and even a pet thermometer (avma.org). Keep the kit in a handy spot and check it periodically to replace expired items.
Use Helpful Tools and Resources: Consider downloading the American Red Cross Pet First Aid smartphone app, which puts instant veterinary advice and step-by-step emergency instructions in your pocket (redcross.org). This app can guide you through CPR or other first aid situations with your dog or cat.
Stay Calm and Use Caution: In any pet emergency, try to stay calm – your pet will pick up on your panic. Take a deep breath and focus on the task. Also, protect yourself when tending to an injured or panicking animal. Even the sweetest pet may bite or scratch out of pain or fear (aspcapetinsurance.com). If necessary, gently place a muzzle on a dog or wrap a towel around a cat to prevent injury while you help them (never muzzle a vomiting pet). Remaining calm and cautious will help prevent further injury to both you and your pet during the ordeal.
Why All Pet Owners Should Know the Basics
Every pet owner should know the basics of pet CPR and pet emergency first aid. It’s knowledge we hope you never need to use – but if you ever face that nightmare scenario of your dog or cat not breathing, you’ll be immensely grateful that you learned what to do. Performing CPR can sustain your pet’s life in those critical moments before you reach the vet. CPR may give your beloved companion their only chance at survival in an otherwise hopeless situation (avma.org).
Take action now: consider enrolling in a pet CPR/first aid class or an online course to properly learn and practice these skills. Being prepared is an act of love for your pet. And don’t keep this important knowledge to yourself – share this article or talk to fellow pet owners about pet CPR and first aid. By spreading awareness, you might help save another pet’s life too. Remember, when it comes to emergencies, a little preparation can make a life-saving difference for the animals we love.
This guide is informational and not a substitute for veterinary care; consult a vet whenever possible
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I perform pet CPR?
What’s the basic pet CPR sequence?
How is pet CPR different from human CPR?
- Give breaths mouth-to-snout (seal over the nostrils), not mouth-to-mouth.
- Position pets usually on their side; some barrel-chested dogs may need back positioning.
- Adjust hand placement and pressure by size—gentle, one-hand/finger compressions for small dogs/cats; two-handed compressions for larger dogs.
Where can I learn pet CPR properly?
