Pet CPR: How to Save Your Pet's Life in an Emergency
Knowing basic pet CPR could save your pet's life. Learn the step-by-step technique for dogs and cats — it's different from human CPR.
Every year, thousands of pets die from emergencies that could have been prevented with basic first aid knowledge. Pet CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is different from human CPR — the technique varies based on the pet's size and species. While nothing replaces professional veterinary care, knowing CPR can keep your pet alive during the critical minutes before reaching the vet.
- Pet CPR is different from human CPR — the technique depends on pet size
- Check for breathing and heartbeat before starting CPR
- For dogs: compress the chest at the widest point, 100-120 compressions per minute
- For cats/small dogs: use one hand to compress the chest, same rate
- Rescue breathing: close the pet's mouth and breathe into the nose
- Always call your vet or emergency clinic WHILE performing CPR — time is critical
Assessing the Situation
Before CPR: Check if the pet is responsive — tap, call their name, gently shake. Check for breathing — watch for chest movement, feel for breath near the nose. Check for heartbeat — feel on the left side of the chest behind the elbow. If the pet is not breathing and has no heartbeat, start CPR immediately. If the pet is breathing but unconscious, place in recovery position (on side) and rush to the vet.
Chest Compressions
For dogs: lay the dog on its right side. Place both hands on the widest part of the chest (behind the front legs). Compress 1/3 to 1/2 of chest width at 100-120 compressions per minute (think of the beat of "Stayin' Alive"). For cats and small dogs: use one hand to compress the chest at the widest point. Same rate. For barrel-chested dogs ( Bulldogs): compress on the breastbone while the dog is on its back.
Rescue Breathing
After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths: close the pet's mouth completely. Place your mouth over the pet's nose (for dogs) or nose and mouth (for cats). Blow gently until you see the chest rise. Release and let the air come out naturally. Continue cycles of 30 compressions: 2 breaths. If the chest doesn't rise, reposition the head and try again.
When to Stop
Continue CPR until: the pet starts breathing on its own, a veterinarian takes over, you are physically exhausted and cannot continue, or after 20 minutes with no response (prognosis is very poor). Even if the pet revives, rush to the vet immediately — organ damage from oxygen deprivation needs professional treatment.
- Your pet has stopped breathing or has no heartbeat — START CPR THEN CALL
- Your pet is breathing but unconscious
- Your pet has been rescued from drowning or choking
- Your pet has been hit by a car or suffered trauma
- Your pet is having seizures lasting more than 5 minutes
- You want to learn pet first aid before an emergency happens
Royal Veterinary Center provides 24/7 emergency care. In a pet emergency, call +853 6677 6611 immediately and start CPR if needed. We also offer pet first aid workshops for pet owners — learn CPR, wound care, and emergency response before you need it. Call +853 6677 6611 to register for our next workshop.
+853 6677 6611