4 minute read
THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR PUP’S CPR FOR YOUR CANINE COMPANION
By Dr. Ruben Castro
One thing I have never taught my clients is how to properly administer CPR to their dogs if they should ever need it. Something very traumatic happened to me a few days ago that involved my dog, as she apparently had a heart attack in front of me, and I had to render dog CPR to her. Unfortunately, she did not make it, so this month, I would like to pass on some information to dog owners if, in the unfortunate event, their dog needs CPR.
The following information is provided by the American Red Cross, Cornell University’s Baker Institute for Animal Health, and my most recent experience administering CPR to my dog.
How do you know if your dog needs CPR? If their chest is not moving and you cannot feel a heartbeat, then your dog needs CPR.
Use your middle and index finger to check for a pulse. The areas to check are below their wrist, inner thigh (femoral artery), below the ankle, or where their left elbow touches their chest.
Look for other warning signs: Gums and lips will appear grey-colored, and pupils will be dilated and not responsive to light. You’ll immediately know if something is wrong when you look at their gums and tongue.
Administer CPR. If you have a small dog, place your mouth over its nose and mouth to blow air in. For medium-large dogs, place your mouth over its nose to blow air in. Allow the pet to exhale and repeat for one more breath. Blow hard and quickly, and ensure you see your pet’s chest move.
If your breaths do not go in, the airway may be blocked. Open their mouth and check for any object that may be obstructing the airway. Turn your dog upside down, with its back against your chest. Wrap your arms around the dog and clasp your hands together just below its rib cage. Since you are holding your dog upside down, this area is above the rib cage, in the abdomen. Check its mouth or airway for an object. If you see it, remove it and give two more rescue breaths.
Begin administering chest compressions. If there is no pulse, lay your dog on its right side and place your hand over its ribs where their elbow touches their chest. Begin compressions. It is essential to know not to give compressions if your dog has a pulse! Put one hand on top of the other with the fingers interlaced and focus the force of your compression on the heel of the hand that is touching the chest. Place your shoulders directly above your hands and keep your elbows locked. Bend at the waist, not at the elbows.
You want to aim for 100 – 120 compressions per minute, or about two compressions every second. Sing a song in your head to keep the right beat, such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. You will get tired, so if someone else is with you, one can focus on chest compressions, and the other can administer the rescue breaths.
Repeat these procedures.
Check your dog’s pulse after 1 minute and then every few minutes.
Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital. In the RGV, that would be Pet Doctor 911 in North McAllen. Their phone number is (956) 683-7387.
Dr. Castro is a proud Catholic who is a husband, father, and educator born and raised in the RGV. He is a graduate of Northcentral University with a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Castro’s current research focuses on Education, Crime and Deviance, and Race and Ethnicity. He is also the owner of the K&B Dog Learning Cener, Inc. www.kbdoglearningcenter.com
