How to revive a dog? - briefly
If your dog is unresponsive and not breathing, perform chest compressions and rescue breaths immediately. To do this, place your dog on its side, locate the heart (between the elbow and knee of the front leg), and press firmly with both hands for 30 seconds. After compressions, open the airway by extending the head and neck, then give two rescue breaths through the nose. Repeat these steps until your dog regains consciousness or you reach a veterinarian.
How to revive a dog? - in detail
Reviving a dog that has lost consciousness or is not breathing requires immediate and decisive action. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Assess the Situation: Ensure your safety first. If the dog is aggressive, use caution or seek help from someone else. Check if the dog is responsive by calling its name and gently tapping its shoulder.
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Check for Breathing: Place your hand on the dog's chest to feel for breaths. Look for the rise and fall of the chest. If there is no breathing, proceed to artificial respiration.
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Artificial Respiration:
- For small dogs (under 30 lbs or 13 kg), cup your hands around the dog's muzzle, creating a seal.
- For larger dogs, place your hand over the dog's nostrils to create a seal.
- Gently blow air into the dog's nose once every 2-3 seconds until you see the chest rise.
- After each breath, allow the chest to fall, indicating that the air is being exhaled.
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Check for Pulse: Place your hand on the inside of the dog's thigh, where you can feel the femoral artery. If there is no pulse, proceed to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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CPR:
- For small dogs, use one hand to compress the chest.
- For larger dogs, use both hands, placing them on either side of the dog's ribcage.
- Compress the chest at a rate of 80-120 compressions per minute. The depth should be about one-third to half the width of the dog's chest.
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Combine Breaths and Compressions: Perform 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions. Continue this cycle until the dog regains consciousness or you arrive at a veterinary clinic.
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Transport to Veterinary Care: Once you've started CPR, do not stop unless the dog regains consciousness or a veterinarian takes over. Immediately transport the dog to the nearest veterinary clinic for professional care.
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Post-Resuscitation Care: Even if the dog appears to be revived, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. The dog may have underlying health issues that need immediate medical intervention.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the chances of successfully reviving an unconscious or non-breathing dog. Always remember that quick and effective action can make a difference in saving a dog's life.