Dog resuscitation

In a worst case scenario artificial respiration AKA: Resuscitation can be done. There is some slight differences between human and pet resuscitation. These are just guidelines of course. There are, as mentioned in previous blogs, community and adult education courses that do offer courses in emergency pet resuscitation.

The sooner you get air into the system, the less likely brain damage will occur.

1. If you cannot see the dog's breathing, press your ear and listen for a heart beat. If the dog's heart is still beating, give it mouth to nose resuscitation. If you cannot hear the heart, start cardiac massage (will be covered in tomorrow's blog post).

2. With the dog lying on its side, make sure to stretch the neck forward. Remove any obstacles from the mouth and move the tongue forward.

3. Keeping the neck as straight as possible, cup the nose with your hands and breath into the nostrils for about 3 seconds to inflate the lungs. The chest sound expand. Pause for 2 seconds and repeat.

4. Make sure the dog is still breathing by feeling behind the dog's elbow with your hand or by placing your ear on the dog's chest As long as the heart is still beating, continue with step 3 until the dog is breathing on it's own. If the dog's heart stops you must do cardiac massage (will be covered in tomorrow's blog post).

For everyone reading this blog post, here's a simple activity to do with your dog during the week. While petting your dog, finds it's heart beat so that in case of an emergency, you are familiar with what you should be looking for.

Luv Sheila & Freedom