How to perform heart massage and artificial respiration on a dog?

How to perform heart massage and artificial respiration on a dog? - briefly

To perform heart massage on a dog, place it on its right side, locate the heart (usually between the third and fifth ribs), and press firmly and quickly with the palm of your hand at a rate of 80-120 compressions per minute. For artificial respiration, extend the dog's neck to open the airway, cover its nose with your mouth, and gently blow air into its lungs until you see the chest rise. Repeat these steps in cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.

How to perform heart massage and artificial respiration on a dog? - in detail

Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a dog is a critical skill that can save an animal's life in emergencies such as near-drowning, choking, or heart failure. Below are the detailed steps for performing heart massage and artificial respiration on a dog:

1. Assessing the Situation: First, ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Approach the dog calmly to avoid causing further stress. Check if the dog is responsive by calling its name or gently tapping it on the shoulder. If there is no response, proceed with CPR.

2. Positioning the Dog: Place the dog on a flat surface in a lateral recumbent position (on its side). Extend the dog's neck to open the airway and support the head and neck using your hand or a rolled towel to maintain an open airway.

3. Artificial Respiration:

   • For small dogs: Place your mouth over the dog's nose and exhale gently but firmly, aiming for two breaths per minute. Observe the chest for rise and fall to ensure effective ventilation.
   • For large dogs: Use an Ambu bag or a similar device designed for animals if available. If not, cup your hands around the dog’s muzzle and exhale firmly, ensuring you do not overinflate the lungs.

4. Heart Massage:

   • Locate the heart by placing your hand on the right side of the dog's chest, just behind the elbow.
   • For small dogs: Use two fingers to compress the chest wall at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The depth of compression should be about one-third the width of the dog’s chest.
   • For medium to large dogs: Use both hands, placing one hand on top of the other, and compress the chest wall at a rate of 80-100 compressions per minute. The depth of compression should be about one-third to one-half the width of the dog’s chest.

5. Combining Compressions and Breaths:

   • Aim for a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This combination helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to vital organs.
   • After every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths and then resume compressions. Continue this cycle until the dog regains consciousness or professional help arrives.

6. Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, monitor the dog's pulse (best felt on the femoral artery located inside the thigh) to ensure you are achieving effective compression rates. Also, observe for signs of recovery such as movement, coughing, or gasping for breath.

7. Professional Help: As soon as possible, transfer the dog to a veterinary clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Even if the dog appears to recover, it is crucial to seek professional advice to rule out any underlying issues that may require medical intervention.

By following these steps meticulously, you can increase the chances of successfully resuscitating a dog in distress. However, always remember that proper training and practice are essential for effective CPR performance.