How to perform CPR

  • Lay animal on side and remove any obstruction in airway (open mouth, pull tongue forward, extend neck and visually inspect).
  • If airway is clear, extend neck, hold tongue out of mouth, and close animal’s jaws over tongue.
  • Holding jaws closed, breathe into both nostrils for 5-6 breaths. If no response, continue artificial respiration (see below). If there is also no pulse, begin cardiac compressions.
  • Depress widest part of chest wall 1.5 to 3 inches with one or two hands:
  • For very small animals, 1-5 pounds (.4kg-2.3kg), place hands around rib cage and apply cardiac massage
  • 100 compressions per minute

Continue artificial respiration:

  • 10 breaths per minute