EMERGENCY: Doggy Heimlich Maneuver & CPR ~ Print for Future Use!

[Wylie's Mom]

I've noticed a few scary posts about choking lately, so I'm re-posting the process on how to dislodge something from your furbaby's airway.


THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER FOR DOGS AND CATS

The objective is to forcibly compress the lower chest in order to raise air pressure inside the chest - this should force the foreign material out of the throat or the larynx.

Here's what to do:

• Place the pet on its side on a hard surface.

• Place both hands behind the last rib and press down quickly and firmly - release immediately and repeat rapidly several times.

• Try to direct the force of your hands slightly forward - this will make your efforts more effective.

• Have someone carefully open the dog's or cat's mouth wide and attempt to retrieve the material from the throat as you compress the chest.

If you have a medium to large dog, here are the steps:

• Straddle your dog from behind.

• Put your fist just behind the last rib in the center - lifting up and forward - several quick motions.

• If there is a second person, have them open the dog's mouth during this process.

Once the airway is cleared, check for breathing; if the dog or cat isn't breathing, initiate artificial respiration and bring the animal to a vet's office immediately. If the animal is breathing, but damage to the airway or any other danger is suspected, get your pet to the vet asap.

Link Including VIDEO

Heimlich Video For SMALL DOGS:

You Tube

Heimlich Video For LARGER DOGS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YXGj8X89bw#t=35

[Wylie's Mom]

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR and Rescue Breathing)

CPR is the method used to treat an animal who is not breathing or has no heartbeat (check for unresponsiveness). It consists of rescue breathing (also called mouth to nose/mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions. CPR is based on three basic principles, called the ABCs of CPR. You must follow the ABC order (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when attempting CPR.

Even when performed by an experienced veterinarian, CPR does not always work. Don't be discouraged if your attempt fails, but know that you did try to save an animal's life.

A=Airway
* Does the animal have an open airway? (The airway is the passage the animal breathes through. Check to see if the throat and mouth are clear of foreign objects.) If the answer is YES, go to Breathing. If the answer is NO, you need to open the airway. Do the following:

1. Lay the animal down, on either side.
2. Gently tilt the head slightly back to extend the neck and head.
3. Pull the tongue between the front teeth.
4. Use your finger to check for and remove any foreign material or vomit from the mouth.

Do not place your fingers inside the mouth of a conscious animal--you may be bitten!

B=Breathing
* Is the animal breathing (check chest rise and fall, or place a soft/light object by nose to see if it moves)? If the answer is YES, allow the animal to assume the body position most comfortable for them. Then, move on to Circulation. If the answer is NO, do the following:

1. Make sure the airway is open (see Airway above).
2. Seal the mouth and lips by placing your hands around the lips, gently holding the muzzle closed.
3. Place your mouth over the animal's nose and forcefully exhale. Watch for chest rise and fall. This is how you will know if the airway is clear and air is flowing into the lungs. If the airway is NOT clear, the chest will not rise. If this happens, reposition the head and re-check the airway.
4. If you find a patent airway, give four or five breaths rapidly, then check to see if your pet is breathing without assistance (watch chest rise). If the animal begins to breath, but the breathing is shallow and irregular, or if breathing dos not begin, continue artificial respiration until you reach the veterinary hospital or for a maximum of 20 minutes. (Beyond 20 minutes there is little chance of reviving your pet.)

Do not attempt this on a conscious animal.

Use the following breathing rates:
* Small dog (under 30 pounds) or cat: 20-30 breaths per minute.

C=Circulation
* Is there a heartbeat or a pulse (check pulse on the inner leg by the groin)? If the answer is NO, perform chest compressions (on a hard surface, not a bed). Do the following:

Small Dog (under 30 Pounds) or Cat

1. Lay your pet down, on the animal's right side.
2. Kneel next to your pet with the animal's chest facing you.
3. Place the palm of one of your hands over the ribs at the point where the elbow touches the chest. Place your other hand underneath the right side of the animal.
4. Compress the chest 1/2-1 inch (your elbows should be softly locked during compressions).
5. Chest compressions are alternated with breaths.
6. If working alone, do five compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse.
7. If there are two people, one person does the breathing while the other does the compressions at a rate of three compressions for each breath, then check for a pulse.

Do not assume there is no heartbeat or pulse simply because an animal is not breathing. Do not start chest compressions before checking for a heartbeat. (If the animal is conscious and responds to you, then the heart is beating).

Continue CPR until the animal has a strong heartbeat and pulse, or until you reach the veterinary hospital, or until 20 minutes have passed and your efforts have not been successful.

CPR can be performed on the way to the veterinary hospital, as long as there are at least two people present (one to drive).

American Red Cross Pet Fist Aid, Bobbie Mammato, DVM, MPH, 1997, pp. 15-17. Most of the above was taken word for word. There are times where I added a little extra explanation. Also, please see short slide show below.

[CPR info compiled by BabyFidgette]

[Wylie's Mom]

Download Red Cross First Aid apps here: Mobile Apps | American Red Cross

[Wylie's Mom]

From Dr. Becker, HERE.

These are some newer guidelines on performing CPR on dogs.