Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

8 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Artificial Respiration or CPR?
Is the dog breathing? Observe the rise and fall of the chest. Feel for air against your
cheek.
If YES, pull out the tongue and clear the airway. Observe.
If NO, feel for a pulse.
Does the dog have a pulse? Feel for the femoral artery located on the inside of the
mid-thigh.
If YES, start artificial respiration.
If NO, start CPR.
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
Lay the dog on a flat surface with his right side down. Open his mouth and pull
his tongue forward as far as you can. Clear any secretions with a cloth or handkerchief.
Check for a foreign body. If present, remove it if possible. If it is impossible
to dislodge, perform the Heimlich Maneuver, described on page 316.
For puppies and small dogs under 30 pounds (13.6 kg)
1. Pull the tongue forward so it is even with the canine teeth. Close the
dog’s mouth.
2. Place your mouth over the dog’s nose. Blow gently into the dog’s nostrils.
The chest will expand.
3. Release your mouth to let the air return. Excess air will escape through
the dog’s lips, preventing overinflation of the lungs and overdistension
of the stomach.
4. If the chest does not rise and fall, blow more forcefully or seal the lips.
5. Continue at a rate of 20 to 30 breaths per minute (one breath every two
to three seconds).
6. Continue until the dog breathes on his own, or as long as the heart
beats.
For medium and large dogs
1. Proceed as for small dogs, but seal the lips by placing a hand around the
dog’s muzzle to prevent the escape of air.
2. If the chest does not rise and fall, blow more forcefully.
3. The breathing rate is 20 breaths per minute (one breath every three
seconds).