Dog CPR Practical Demonstration

Dog CPR – Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, we will walk through a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to perform CPR on a dog.

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Before approaching the dog, stop and assess the scene. Your safety always comes first.

Do not approach if there is a risk of electricity, traffic, fire, or any other hazard. For example, if the dog may have been electrocuted, isolate the power source before touching them. You cannot help the dog if you put yourself in danger.

Once the area is safe, approach calmly.

Step 2: Check for Response and Call for Help

Call the dog’s name and gently rub or touch them to check for any response.

If someone else is nearby, shout for help immediately. Ask them to contact the vet and, if possible, put the call on speakerphone so the vet can guide you while you continue assessment and care.

Having a second person is extremely helpful. They can manage the phone call and take over CPR if you become fatigued.

Step 3: Open the Airway and Check Breathing

Gently pull the dog’s tongue forward and slightly to one side to help open the airway.

Check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for up to 10 seconds:

• Look for chest movement
• Listen for breath sounds
• Feel for airflow

Occasional gasps or irregular noises are not normal breathing.

While checking, quickly look inside the mouth for any visible obstruction and remove it carefully if you can see it clearly.

Step 4: Check for a Pulse

If the dog is not breathing normally, check for a heartbeat or pulse:

• Place your ear or hand on the left side of the chest
• Alternatively, check the femoral pulse on the inside of the hind leg

If the dog is breathing or has a pulse, transport them to a vet immediately.

If there is no breathing and no pulse, begin CPR straight away.

Step 5: Start Chest Compressions

CPR works by manually pumping blood through the heart and body to deliver oxygen to vital organs.

For most medium to large dogs:

• Lay the dog on their side
• Place your hand over the widest part of the chest, where the elbow meets the body
• Keep your arm straight and press straight down
• Use one or two hands depending on the dog’s size

Compress the chest:

• To at least one-third of its depth
• At a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute
• Allow full chest recoil between compressions

If possible, keep the tongue gently pulled forward to maintain an open airway.

Step 6: Give Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions:

• Close the dog’s mouth
• Breathe into the nose
• Give two gentle breaths, just enough to see the chest rise
• Allow the chest to fall before the second breath

Do not overinflate the lungs.

Step 7: Continue CPR Cycles

Continue cycles of:

• 30 chest compressions
• 2 rescue breaths

Every two minutes:

• Check for breathing or a pulse
• Swap rescuers if another person is available

If the dog starts breathing or you detect a pulse, stop CPR and transport them to the vet immediately.

Breed Considerations (Summary)

• Small dogs and cats: Encircle the chest and compress using your thumbs
• Deep-chested dogs (e.g. Greyhounds): Compress lower on the chest
• Flat-chested breeds (e.g. Bulldogs): Place on their back and compress the breastbone

Key Points to Remember

• Always ensure the scene is safe
• Call for veterinary help early
• Check breathing and pulse quickly
• Compress at least one-third chest depth
• Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute
• Work in cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
• Swap rescuers every two minutes where possible

Practising these skills during training makes a significant difference. CPR is physically demanding, but acting quickly and confidently gives the dog the best possible chance of survival.