GotoAID Dogs - Cardiac Arrest

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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only

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Cardiac Arrest

Pets usually don't have heart attacks but their heart can stop from trauma like a fall, car accident, near drowning or severe illness. Usually they will lose consciousness and will need emergency help as soon as possible. CPR may not be effective unless special veterinarian equipment is used but first aid can give your pet a chance.

Symptoms

Cold Limbs	Lose Consciousness
Stop Breathing	Unresponsive
Bluish Gums

Steps

Check ABC’s of life support--Airway, breathing, circulation. Can you see, feel, or hear your pet breathing? If your pet is not breathing, begin rescue breathing immediately.

If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.

Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.

Keep breathing for your dog until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.

Check that your dog’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your dog’s chest and/or feeling for your dog’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or no heart beat is felt, begin CPR

With pet on its side locate the heart which is easily found at the point where the elbow bends to meet the chest

For small dogs, begin chest compressions over the point of the heart by squeezing with one hand with the dog laying on its side.

For medium & large dogs, begin chest compressions over the point of the heart using a hand over hand technique over the highest point of the chest and locking your elbows as you go with the dog laying on its side.