Pet First Aid and CPR

We love our pets and want to keep them healthy. Learning about Pet First Aid and CPR can help accomplish this. 

According to a recent Pet Owners Survey, 68 percent of all U.S. households owned at least one pet. As of March 2017, a total of 89.7 million dogs were estimated to live in U.S. households as pets.  In 2017 the total number of cats owned as a pet in the United States amounted to about 95.6 million. That is a lot of loving owners who would do just about anything to help their pets. 

MCR Medical pet owners have noticed that Pet First Aid and CPR is becoming more and more popular. We think this is in part because of several videos of animal resuscitation going viral. Pet emergency care has been around for years and with more and more people owning pets it is important to have the skills necessary to help your pet in an emergency. 

I have found several resources for you starting with the American Red Cross. Just search for various subjects such as Pet First Aid and CPR there you will be able to view the many articles they offer. One item I found last year was an app titled Pet First Aid by American Red Cross. Within this great app are tools, videos and instructions to help you through most pet emergencies. You can also take an online course in Pet First Aid which covers learning how to check your pet’s vital signs, how to conduct preventative care for your pets, and how to recognize and provide first aid for the most severe emergencies your pet may experience.

The American Heart Association also has several articles and resources on the why and how of Pet First Aid and CPR.  Within the article titled ‘Mouth to Snout CPR Prepares People to Save Pets’ you will find wonderful links and information on the subject. 

If you just Google Pet First Aid and CPR you can find classes and tips on this truly important subject. 

Cat and Dog CPR

1. Check for breathing and a heartbeat.  
2. Give chest compressions: (For cats, small dogs and deep chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand. For deep chested dogs, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand. For barrel chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands. Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again. Perform 30 chest compressions.) 
3. Give rescue breaths.
4. Continue CPR.
5. Check again for breathing and a heartbeat.
6. Get help.