emergency

Pet CPR: Pet First Aid Guide

This first aid guide covers everything you need to know about handling pet cpr in pets. Pet CPR is only performed when a pet has no heartbeat and isn't breathing. It's a last-resort lifesaving skill that every pet owner should know — but hope to never use. Done correctly, CPR can keep blood and oxygen flowing until you reach emergency care.

Quick Answer

If your pet is experiencing pet cpr, act immediately. Check for breathing and pulse (feel inside thigh for femoral artery) This is classified as an emergency — follow the 8 steps below and contact your veterinarian right away.

What To Do: Step-by-Step

Check for breathing and pulse (feel inside thigh for femoral artery)

If no pulse, lay pet on their right side on a firm surface

For dogs: place hands over the widest part of the chest. For cats/small dogs: wrap one hand around the chest.

Compress chest 1/3 to 1/2 of its width, 100-120 compressions per minute

After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths (close mouth, breathe into nose)

Continue cycles of 30 compressions : 2 breaths

Check for pulse every 2 minutes

Transport to vet while continuing CPR if possible

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Important Warning

CPR is only performed when there is no heartbeat. Do not perform on a breathing animal.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

No breathingNo heartbeat or pulseUnresponsivePale or blue gums

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EMERGENCY

Severity

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Warning Signs

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Steps to Take

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Dogs & Cats

Applies To

🚨 Emergency Numbers — Save These Now

ASPCA Poison Control

(888) 426-4435

$95 consultation fee

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

$85 consultation fee

💡 Save your local emergency vet's number in your phone contacts NOW — you won't have time to search during an emergency.

Trusted First Aid Resources

For authoritative veterinary first aid guidance, consult these organizations:

• AVMA Pet Emergency Care — Official first aid guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control — 24/7 poison emergency hotline and toxin database

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I perform CPR on my pet?▼

ONLY when there is no heartbeat AND your pet is not breathing. Check for femoral pulse (inside thigh) and rise/fall of chest. If breathing is present but weak, skip to rescue breathing only. CPR on a beating heart is dangerous.

How fast should I do chest compressions?▼

100-120 compressions per minute (about 2 per second, same as human CPR). Compress chest 1/3 to 1/2 of its width. For cats and small dogs, compress with one hand wrapped around chest.

How do I give rescue breaths to a pet?▼

Close their mouth, extend the neck, and seal your mouth around their nose (cover the whole nose). Give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions. You should see the chest rise. If it doesn't, reposition head and try again.

How effective is pet CPR?▼

Success rates for out-of-hospital CPR are low (5-10% survive to discharge), but CPR DOES save lives. It buys time to reach emergency care. Even if unsuccessful, you gave your pet a chance. CPR training is worthwhile.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only.

It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always contact your veterinarian in an emergency.