What should I do if my dog has a heart attack? - briefly
If your dog experiences a heart attack, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. While waiting for professional help, keep your dog calm and quiet to minimize stress on their heart.
What should I do if my dog has a heart attack? - in detail
If your dog experiences a heart attack, also known as cardiac arrest, immediate and appropriate action is crucial. Here are detailed steps you can take:
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Recognize the Symptoms: While dogs cannot verbally express their discomfort, there are signs that may indicate a heart attack. These include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, labored breathing, pale or blue gums, and a weak or irregular pulse. If you notice any of these symptoms, act quickly.
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Ensure Safety: Make sure the area is safe for both you and your dog. If possible, gently place your dog on a flat surface to perform CPR.
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Perform Canine CPR: If your dog is unconscious and not breathing, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Here's how:
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Check for Pulse: Place your fingers on the inner thigh or where the elbow meets the chest to feel for a pulse. Be careful not to confuse the pulse with your own heartbeat.
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Clear the Airway: Gently extend your dog's neck and pull the tongue forward to open the airway.
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Perform Rescue Breaths: Close your dog's mouth and breathe directly into its nostrils. For large dogs, use both hands to create a seal around the muzzle. For small dogs, you can cover the nose and mouth with your mouth. Give two rescue breaths, making sure the chest rises with each breath.
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Perform Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand over the heart (located in the lower half of the ribcage on the left side). For small dogs, use one hand; for larger dogs, use both hands. Press firmly and steadily, compressing the chest wall by about one-third to one-half its width, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
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Alternate Breaths and Compressions: After every two rescue breaths, perform 30 compressions. Continue this cycle until your dog regains consciousness or you reach the veterinary clinic.
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Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: While performing CPR, have someone else call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital. Provide them with all relevant information about your dog's condition and follow their instructions.
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Transport Safely: Once you have done what you can at home, transport your dog to the vet as safely and quickly as possible. If you have a car, drive carefully while continuing CPR if needed.
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Follow-Up Care: After receiving immediate treatment, your dog may need ongoing care, including medication, diet changes, or lifestyle adjustments. Follow your veterinarian's advice closely to ensure the best recovery outcome.
Prevention and Preparedness: While you hope never to face this situation, being prepared can make a significant difference. Learn CPR techniques in advance, and keep an emergency kit with necessary supplies readily available. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can also help detect any underlying heart conditions early.