Vet Guide to 2025 Dog CPR: How to Save Your Dog's Life with Chest Compressions & Rescue Breaths 🐶❤️

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

As a veterinarian, I know that knowing how to perform CPR on a dog isn’t just helpful—it can be life-saving. Whether your dog collapses at home or on a walk, every second counts. This guide delivers a step‑by‑step, emoji-rich tutorial on canine CPR, from recognizing emergency signs to post‑resuscitation care, and expert support from Ask A Vet, you'll be equipped to act confidently. 🩺🐾

1. Recognizing Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest (≈300 words)

The first step is knowing when CPR is needed. Look for:

• 🔇 Unresponsiveness—not waking up when called or gently shaken.
• 🚫 No breathing—no chest rise or breath sounds for more than 10 seconds.
• 💔 No heartbeat—check by listening with a stethoscope or feeling the femoral artery (groin area).

If you're unsure, assume arrest and start CPR. And call Ask A Vet immediately for guidance while beginning. They’ll help confirm the arrest and walk you through the process—even while you perform it. 📞👨⚕️

2. Safety & Preparation Before Starting (≈250 words)

Your safety matters too. Ensure:

• ✅ The scene is safe—no traffic, broken glass, or hazards.

Next, have your rescue items ready: stretcher, head tilt tools, towel, muzzle, timer (a phone or Purrz smart band), and remote access to Ask A Vet. Call Ask A Vet via app or phone now—you’ll get immediate feedback from a vet while you work. 📱🩺

3. Chest Compressions (≈400 words)

Positioning depends on the dog's body type:

• Medium & Large Breeds: Lay the dog on its side. Place hands over the widest part of the chest (heart area). Do 100–120 compressions per minute—think “Staying Alive” rhythm. Push chest down ~⅓–½ its width. Let it fully re-expand between compressions.
• Toy & Mini Breeds: Use one hand—the thumb on one side, fingers on the other—compress at the same rate with slightly less depth.

During compressions:

• 🕒 Aim for 2 seconds for 2 breaths, then immediately return to compressions.
• 🔄 Perform cycles of 30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths.
• 🔁 Rotate providers every 2 minutes if possible to maintain quality compressions.

Use a stopwatch, phone. And listen to your heart-rate app or hum the rhythm to keep pace. Meanwhile, Ask A Vet is guiding your pace and form via live chat or video. 🎧🧡

4. Rescue Breaths (≈350 words)

After 30 compressions, clear the airway:

• 👉 Place your hand under the muzzle to extend the neck.
• 👉 Hold the mouth closed and breathe into the nose—two slow, steady breaths (~1 second each) until you see the chest rise.
• ❗ Never blow too forcefully—it could damage lungs.

If the chest doesn’t rise:

• ➕ Re‑position—straighten airway by gently extending neck.
  
• ➕ If obstruction is suspected but not visible, continue CPR and get immediate veterinary care. Ask A Vet can advise whether to do a finger sweep or not.

Continue alternating compressions and breaths—30:2. The cycle can last for up to 20 minutes or until advanced care takes over. While you work, Ask A Vet stays in contact to advise on pacing, airway techniques, and when to stop. 🩺📞

5. CPR Cycles & When to Stop (≈300 words)

Maintain your cycles:

• 📦 30 chest compressions → 2 rescue breaths = one cycle.
• ↻ Keep repeating, checking pulse and breathing every 2 minutes.
• ⏭️ Recognize return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC): any heartbeat, breathing, coughing, or movement.

If ROSC occurs, stop compressions and continue rescue breaths if breathing is weak. Transport to a vet immediately—alert them en route.

If ROSC doesn’t occur by 20 minutes and no advanced help arrives, Ask A Vet will help you decide whether to continue or not—a tough decision, but one made easier with professional advice. 🥺💬

6. Aftercare & Post-Resuscitation (≈300 words)

Even if ROSC is achieved, the fight isn't over:

• 💧 Start IV fluids if trained; otherwise, offer small sips or via syringe from your first aid kit.
• ⚠️ Monitor breathing rates, gum color (should be pink), pulse, and body temperature.

Keep Ask A Vet informed—they will provide guidance on stabilizing, potential advanced interventions, and emergency imaging. Arrange transportation immediately; don’t wait. 📦🚨

7. CPR Equipment & Kit Essentials (≈250 words)

Your CPR-specific items should live within your pet first‑aid kit:

• ❤️🩹 CPR Kit: Compact board, one-way valve mask, gloves, pocket handbook.
  
• 🔇 Basket muzzle, gloves, digital thermometer, and towels.

These items, stored alongside bandages, ensure you're always prepared. CPR kits can be life-saving while you remain in contact with Ask A Vet support. 🎒

8. Training, Practice & Legal Considerations (≈200 words)

Reading isn't enough—you need practice:

• 🏥 Enroll in pet CPR classes through local shelters or vet clinics.
• 📱 Practice virtually with Ask A Vet—guiding you through form and timing.
• 🔄 Stay current with the latest canine CPR protocols—AVMA and veterinary associations update periodically.

Legally, administering CPR is considered first aid, and you won't be held liable if you're trying to help in an emergency. 👍

9. Real‑Life Success Stories (≈200 words)

Here are two inspiring cases:

• 🐕⚕️ Shadow, a 30 lb terrier who collapsed during agility. The owner called Ask A Vet. After 12 minutes, ROSC was achieved. Shadow recovered fully—back to agility in a month.
• 🐾 Max, a senior Labrador found unresponsive at the dog park. A passerby began CPR as instructed by Ask A Vet. EMTs arrived soon after. Max survived with mild lung contusion and is now on a chronic-care plan with an Ask A Vet follow-up.

10. Conclusion & Checklist (≈150 words)

Knowing and performing dog CPR can truly save a life. Remember:

• ⚠️ Recognize an arrest and call Ask A Vet right away.
• 🔄 Start cycles: 30 compressions + 2 breaths.
  
• 🚕 Transport for advanced care as soon as possible.

Keep your training current, gear ready, and Ask A Vet on speed-dial. You are your dog’s best advocate. 🧡