CPR for Pets

CPR for cats and dogs is similar to CPR for humans. These directions assume the animal is unconscious and the risk of being bitten by the animal is not present.

• First, open the mouth and make sure the air passage is clear. Remove any obstruction.
• Next, extend the head and give several artificial respirations:
  • For large dogs: close the animal's jaw tightly and breathe into the nose. The animal's chest should rise.
  • For small dogs and cats you may be able to cover the nose and mouth with your mouth as you breathe. The animal's chest should rise.
• The rate of breaths depends on the size of the animal
  • Dogs over 60 pounds: 10 breaths per minute
  • Animals 11 to 60 pounds: 15 breaths per minute
  • Animals 10 pounds or less: 20 breaths per minute
• Next perform chest compression:
  • For large dogs you may be able to position the dogs on its back and compress the chest just like for humans.
  • For small dogs, and cats, as well as large dogs with funnel chests, you may need to lie the animal on its side and compress the side of the rib cage. Alternatively, you can position the animal on its back and press on both sides of the rib cage.