CPR on medium to large dogs
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Dog CPR for Barrel-Chested Breeds
Most dogs have a barrel-shaped chest. For these dogs, CPR is performed with the dog lying on their right side. Using the correct position and technique helps you deliver effective chest compressions and maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Positioning the Dog
- Lay the dog gently on their right-hand side on a firm surface.
- Ensure the neck is straight and the airway is as open as possible.
Hand Placement
- Place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest.
- This is usually where the elbow meets the body when the front leg is bent.
- Place your other hand on top and keep your elbows straight.
Chest Compressions
- Press down hard and fast.
- Compress the chest by one-third to one-half of its width.
- Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (around two per second).
- Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression to let the heart refill with blood.
Rescue Breaths
After 30 chest compressions:
- Close the dog’s mouth.
- Seal your mouth over the nose.
- Breathe in until you see the chest rise.
- Give two rescue breaths.
Continuing CPR
- Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
- Every two minutes, briefly check to see if the dog has started breathing, moving, or showing signs of life.
Key Points to Remember
- Place barrel-chested dogs on their right side.
- Compress the widest part of the chest.
- Push hard, fast, and deep enough.
- Allow full chest recoil after each compression.
- Continue CPR until the dog recovers or veterinary help takes over.
Early, confident CPR can make a life-saving difference for a dog in cardiac arrest.
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