How to revive a dog at home? - briefly
If your dog is unresponsive and not breathing, perform CPR immediately. To do this, place your dog on its side, extend its neck, and compress its chest with quick, firm thrusts until it regains consciousness or professional help arrives.
How to revive a dog at home? - in detail
Reviving a dog at home requires prompt action and a clear understanding of the necessary steps. It is crucial to remain calm and composed throughout the process. Here's a detailed guide on how to revive a dog at home:
-
Safety First: Ensure your safety by keeping a safe distance from the dog's mouth and paws, as they may react involuntarily.
-
Check for Responsiveness: Gently call the dog's name or clap your hands to see if it responds. Check if the dog is breathing. If there's no response or breathing, proceed with the following steps.
-
Clear the Airway: Open the dog’s mouth and look for any obstructions such as food or foreign objects. Gently pull the tongue forward to clear the airway. Be cautious not to push any objects further into the throat.
-
Perform Rescue Breathing:
- Close the dog's mouth and place your lips tightly around its nose.
- Exhale steadily into the dog’s nostrils once every 3-5 seconds for small dogs, or every 5-10 seconds for large dogs.
- After each breath, watch to see if the dog’s chest expands. If it doesn't, reposition the dog's head and try again.
-
Perform Chest Compressions:
- For small dogs, place both hands on either side of the dog's ribcage and compress gently but firmly five times.
- For medium to large dogs, use one or both hands, depending on the size, and perform compressions over the heart (located in the lower half of the ribcage).
- After every compression cycle, give two rescue breaths as described above.
-
Check for a Pulse: Feel for a pulse by placing your fingers against the dog's femoral artery, located inside the hind leg, just below the inguinal area (where the thigh meets the body). If you cannot find a pulse after 60 seconds of CPR, continue until the dog revives or professional help arrives.
-
Monitor and Maintain Body Temperature: Wrap the dog in a blanket to prevent hypothermia. Keep the dog warm but avoid overheating.
-
Administer Oxygen if Available: If you have access to an oxygen tank, administer oxygen through a mask or nasal cannula to help maintain proper oxygen levels.
-
Seek Professional Help: Even if the dog revives, it is crucial to take it to a veterinarian immediately for a thorough check-up and any necessary treatment.
By following these steps carefully, you increase the chances of successfully reviving your dog at home. Always remember that prompt action and staying calm are key to managing such an emergency situation effectively.