Pet Monologues

If your pet exhibits signs of cardiopulmonary arrest—unconsciousness, a weak or irregular pulse, no heartbeat, and no obvious signs of breathing—begin CPR. The techniques used on humans can be modified easily to work on animals. If possible, enlist someone else’s help—it’s best to perform CPR on your way to the hospital, so that resuscitation can be continued there. Do not attempt it on a conscious animal, and always follow the “ABC” rule: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

•Airway With your pet on its side, gently extend the head and neck. Pull the tongue out and clear the inside of the mouth of any saliva, vomit, or foreign objects that may be blocking the trachea. 

•Breathing Once your pet’s airway is open, begin rescue breathing. For small dogs and cats, cover the pet’s mouth and lips with yours to form a tight seal. For larger dogs, close the animal’s mouth and place your mouth over its nose. Exhale forcefully enough to raise the chest, and give five breaths. Do not be too forceful, however, or you’ll injure the lungs. Breathe at 30 breaths a minute for pets under 30 pounds or 20 breaths a minute for pets heavier than 30 pounds.

•Circulation Feel for a heartbeat by placing your fingers on the chest behind the left elbow, or look for a pulse high on the inside of the thigh. If you can’t find either, begin chest compressions with the animal lying on its right side. For puppies and cats, place the thumb on one side of the chest, fingers on the other, and squeeze gently. For larger pets, place both hands over the heart, and compress the chest 1 to 3 inches, depending on the animal’s size. Perform five compressions, followed by a breath.