CPR for dogs and cats (breathing or heart has stopped)
CRITICAL
CPR for dogs and cats (breathing or heart has stopped)
Respiratory
When breathing or the heart stops — CPR buys time to reach the vet. Start within 4 minutes.
Symptoms to watch for
- ▸ Not breathing (no chest movement for 10 seconds)
- ▸ No pulse (feel the femoral artery on the inside of the thigh)
- ▸ Gums blue-purple or chalk-white
- ▸ Pupils wide + no reaction
- ▸ Completely unconscious
DO THIS NOW (in order)
- 1 Lay your pet on their RIGHT side on a hard flat surface (not a soft mattress)
- 2 Open the mouth — check for an obstruction, pull the tongue forward
- 3 Hold the mouth shut + give 2 breaths into the NOSE (gently for cats and small dogs, harder for large dogs)
- 4 Chest compressions: hands on the ribs just behind the front elbow, compress one third of the chest width, at 100-120 per minute
- 5 Cycle: 30 compressions + 2 breaths → repeat, and head for the vet immediately
NEVER DO THIS
- ✕ DO NOT stop CPR before 10 minutes unless your pet clearly recovers or a vet takes over
- ✕ DO NOT compress too hard on cats or puppies (broken ribs)
- ✕ DO NOT blow hard into a cat's lungs (it tears the air sacs)
- ✕ DO NOT lay your pet on their back for CPR (far less effective)
Getting there safely
You need 2 people: one to drive, one to keep doing CPR on the way. Call the clinic ahead so the emergency team is ready.
While you wait for the vet
- ▸ Count the CPR cycles you have done (each cycle = 30 compressions + 2 breaths)
- ▸ Every 2 minutes (~5 cycles) — pause 10 seconds to check breathing and pulse
- ▸ If your pet revives — lay them on their side, keep them warm, still go to the vet
- ▸ If there is no response after 20 minutes — the vet will guide you on what comes next
RED FLAG — get emergency care right away if you see:
- Not breathing for more than 2 minutes
- Pupils dilated with no reaction to light
- Still no pulse after 1 minute of CPR
- Skin turning cold and stiff (already too late)
This guide does NOT replace a vet's diagnosis. Always contact the clinic, even if your pet seems fine.