About Saturday Emergencies:
Unfortunately, we are not always able to accommodate emergencies on Saturdays since our hours and staff are limited. It may be necessary for you to contact a 24 hour emergency clinic in the event of emergency on Saturdays.
We recommend to follow these steps if you must perform a CPCR:
Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation
- Check for respiration and heartbeat
If the pet has a heartbeat but is not breathing:
- Clear airway
- Extend head and neck
- Open the mouth and pull tongue forward
- Look in the mouth and remove any saliva or vomit.
Check for effective breathing- if the animal is still not breathing start rescue breathing.
- Cover the animal’s nose with your mouth and forcefully blow air into the lungs, watch for the chest to expand.
- In cats and small dogs you will need to hold the corners of the mouth tightly closed.
- In larger dogs hold the mouth and lips shut by cupping hands around muzzle.
After several breaths stop for a few seconds and check for breathing and heartbeat. If none continue breathing. Cats and small dogs should be getting 20-25 breaths per minute, large dogs should be getting 12-20 breaths per minute.
Continue breathing until you reach the veterinary clinic, or the pet is breathing effectively on their own, or has regained consciousness.
If the pet has no heartbeats begin chest compressions.
- Place the pet on its right side
- For small dogs and cats place one hand on each side of the chest and depress the rib cage from both sides 100-150 beats per minute.
- In large dogs place one or both hands (depending on the size of both the dog and yourself) on the widest part of the chest wall and depress the rib cage 1.5-4 inches based on the dog’s size 120 beats per minute.
- If possible give breaths during compressions, if you are by yourself give 2 breaths every 12 compressions.
Continue CPCR until:
- You get the animal to a veterinary facility.
- You can feel the pulse and it is strong and regular.
