How To Give a Dog CPR

Your dog is your best friend, and you never want to see them hurt or in pain. To protect your pup, you may want to learn how to give CPR to a dog. 

If they ever stop breathing, chest compressions and rescue breaths can help keep them alive until you can get to a veterinarian or animal hospital. Dog CPR is similar to human CPR, but some of the steps are different. For example, the strength, frequency, and location of the compressions are all crucial.

Ready to learn how to give a dog CPR? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to this lifesaving procedure, with advice from a veterinarian.

What is CPR for dogs?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When your dog isn’t breathing, this can be a lifesaving action that gives you time to get them to an animal hospital.

This procedure uses a combination of chest compression and rescue breaths (though rescue breaths are no longer recommended for human CPR, they are recommended for dogs and cats). When performed correctly, CPR can restart the heart or keep blood flowing through the brain and other vital organs.

Whether it’s an allergic reaction, a seizure, cardiac arrest, or an injury — knowing when and how to give your dog CPR is a valuable skill.

When does a dog need CPR?

If your dog doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing, they may need CPR. If you are unsure whether to start CPR, you can look to the classic ABC’s:

• A – Airway: If your dog is unconscious, proceed to check their airway. Gently pull the tongue to look for anything that may be obstructing their breathing. 
• B – Breathing: Confirm that your dog isn’t breathing. Lean in close and feel for any breath coming from their mouth or nostrils.
• C – Circulation: Next, check for a pulse or a heartbeat. Dogs have a strong femoral pulse on their inner rear legs, halfway up the middle of their inner thigh.

Additionally, before starting CPR, make sure there is no immediate danger to yourself or your dog. For instance, if your pup is on a busy road, it may not be safe to perform CPR yet.

If your dog isn’t breathing and has no pulse, you can start CPR. However, if they have a heartbeat but are not breathing, you should give them artificial respiration — rescue breaths only without chest compressions.

Remember, if your dog responds to you in any way — alert eyes, whimpering, responding to touch — get them to the vet ASAP without performing CPR.

Does a dog need CPR if they are choking?

CPR is not the right choice for a dog that is choking. If your pet can’t dislodge the item themselves, you will need to step into action.

Signs your dog may be choking include:

• Difficulty breathing or making a rasping or abnormal breathing sounds 
• Excessive drooling, coughing, panicking
• Gums turning blue
• Collapse or unconsciousness

The first step is to gently pull their tongue forward to see if you can remove the obstruction. Be careful not to push it in further because this can make the situation worse. If your dog is conscious it is not recommended to put your hand in their mouth as this poses a serious bite risk.

Your dog may also need an abdominal thrust, aka the Heimlich maneuver, where you position their back on your chest with your arms underneath their ribs. Make a fist and cover it with your alternate hand, then push down into the abdominal area three times. (Watch this YouTube video to see the proper technique.) 

Once the item has been dislodged, you may then need to perform CPR.

How to perform CPR on dogs: Learn the technique

Now that you know when, it’s time to learn how to give CPR to a dog. After checking their airway, breathing, and circulation, it’s time for chest compressions. However, the technique you will use depends on your pet’s size.

So, before you start, here’s a quick hand placement guide for small and large dogs:

Small dog compression (under 20 pounds): Two-handed chest compressions can over compress and damage the heart. Therefore, chest compressions can be performed using one of three methods: using thumbs to compress while stabilizing the chest with the fingers, using one hand wrapped around the chest, or using the heel of one hand while stabilizing the chest with the other hand. This is also the right option for cats.

Large dog compression (over 30 pounds): With your dog on their side, place one hand on top of the other, lock your elbows in extension, wrists in flexion, position your shoulders directly above your wrists, and use your core muscles to compress the chest with the heels of your hands. This will increase compressions and reduce rescuer fatigue.

How far should you push down? Between 1/3 and 1/2 of the width of your dog’s chest.

To see what dog CPR looks like in action, you can also watch this YouTube video from Dr. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, a veterinarian and pet media expert who also shares content on Facebook and Twitter (or X, if you prefer the new name).

How to perform dog CPR: Step by step

Now, for a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Place your dog on their side on a flat surface, and kneel next to them. Check to see if they are breathing and if they have a pulse.

Step 2: Give your dog 30 chest compressions. Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you hum ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the BeeGees and perform chest compressions to the song’s beat, then you will be doing compressions at the right speed. 

Step 3: If your dog isn’t breathing, give a rescue breath. Make sure your pet’s mouth is shut and breathe into their nose until you see their chest rise. Give two rescue breaths. Make sure to pause chest compressions for only a few seconds during these rescue breaths, and only perform rescue breaths if there is no risk to the rescuer (such as infectious disease or narcotics).

Step 4: Give your dog another 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 more rescue breaths.

Check your dog’s heart and breathing every 2 minutes while continuing the process. Never pause chest compressions for more than a few seconds while performing CPR.

In addition to CPR, you’ll also need to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Do not attempt to give CPR while driving. Even if your pet starts breathing again, they will still need immediate veterinary attention.

CPR for dogs: Best practices & tips

It can be nerve-wracking to perform CPR, but the dog is depending on you to keep calm.

“If your pet is non-responsive and requires life-saving CPR, this is not the time for emotions,” Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, told Pumpkin. “Do you what you need to steady yourself, and then focus on what needs to happen.”

CPR is a big step, and you should only do it if your dog really needs it. Here are a few tips to consider with this potentially life-saving treatment:

• If your dog is alert, moving, has a pulse, or is breathing, they do not need CPR. 
• If you have a wide-chested dog such as an English Bulldog, it is better to perform CPR with the dog on their back rather than on their side. 
• Chest compressions are a critical part of CPR, but be careful about where you position your hands and how far you push on small dogs, as CPR can cause injury. 
• Start CPR as soon as possible, but don’t skip any steps.
• Take your dog to the closest emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Take your dog for emergency care

CPR is a last resort for pet owners. If your dog is unconscious but still breathing, then do not perform CPR. Instead, take them to the animal hospital or emergency vet for immediate care.

Is there training available for dog CPR?

Yes, there are first aid courses available for pet owners. In fact, we recommend learning how to perform a range of dog first aid treatments, including CPR and wound care. These skills can help ‌save your pet’s life. If you’re not sure where to take dog CPR classes, ask your vet for a recommendation.

Training can be done online or in person, but make sure it’s a reputable organization so you get the right advice. The American Red Cross and the RECOVER Initiative both offer online pet CPR courses. You may also want to enroll in a refresher course every couple of years to keep your knowledge up to date.

We know that the cost of vet bills can quickly add up, especially after an emergency. And the last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll pay your bill. Learn more about how a Pumpkin Dog Insurance plan can help cover the cost of eligible vet bills in future emergencies so you can focus on what matters most — getting your pup the help they need.

Dog CPR FAQs

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