How to perform a basic pet CPR and rescue breathing procedure
If your pet stops breathing or collapses, quick calm action can make a life-saving difference. This guide gives clear step-by-step instructions you can follow while getting to a veterinarian. Practice mentally so you can act confidently in an emergency.
Step 1: Ensure the scene is safe
Check that you and your pet are out of immediate danger (traffic, fire, aggressive animals). Move the pet gently only if necessary to a flat, firm surface to avoid worsening injuries; minimizing movement preserves spinal safety.
[Illustration: person checking surroundings and calmly moving a small dog to a flat floor]
Step 2: Assess responsiveness and breathing
Tap the pet gently and call its name; look for chest rise and listen for breath for up to 10 seconds. If there is no response and no normal breathing or only gasping, prepare to begin CPR and rescue breaths.
[Illustration: close-up of human ear near pet muzzle watching chest for rise]
Step 3: Open airway
With the pet on its side, extend the head and neck in a neutral position; for dogs lift the chin and pull the tongue forward, for cats tilt head slightly back but avoid overextension. A clear airway lets breaths reach the lungs and avoids forcing air into the stomach.
[Illustration: hands gently lifting a dog’s chin and opening its mouth to show airflow path]
Step 4: Give rescue breaths
Close the pet’s mouth and form a seal over the nose (for dogs) or mouth and nose (for cats) with your lips. Deliver 2 steady breaths of about 1 second each, watching for visible chest rise; if chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again up to 2 more times.
[Illustration: person giving two controlled breaths to medium dog with chest visibly rising]
Step 5: Start chest compressions
For small pets use two fingers at the widest part of the chest; for medium to large dogs use both hands over the widest chest point. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 of chest depth at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, allowing full chest recoil between compressions.
[Illustration: hands performing chest compressions on medium dog showing posture and hand placement]
Step 6: Cycle breaths and compressions
Use a 30:2 ratio for one rescuer (30 compressions then 2 breaths) and a 15:2 ratio when two rescuers are available. Continue cycles without long interruptions while preparing to transport; switching rescuers every 2 minutes helps maintain effective compression quality.
[Illustration: sequence graphic of 30 compressions then 2 breaths with clock showing timing rhythm]
Step 7: Transport and get veterinary care
As soon as possible, continue gentle CPR while moving to veterinary care or have a helper drive. Even if the pet recovers, seek immediate examination because internal injury, aspiration, or underlying causes need professional treatment.
[Illustration: person carrying pet toward waiting car with urgent but calm demeanor]
- Practice hand placements on a stuffed animal so you know where to press without thinking
- Keep a small face mask or barrier device in your pet first-aid kit for safer rescue breaths
- If available, have someone call the vet or emergency clinic before you start to describe symptoms and get advice
- Use a metronome app set to 100–120 beats per minute to keep compression rhythm steady
- If you suspect poisoning, bring packaging or a sample of the substance to the clinic
- Stay as calm as possible; pets respond to a calm handler and clarity improves technique
- Do not perform CPR on a struggling or aggressive animal; risk of bites and further injury—sedation or restraint by a professional may be required
- Avoid overextending the neck; forceful head tilting can obstruct the airway or worsen spinal injuries
- Do not perform abdominal thrusts or stomach compressions unless trained; improper pressure can cause internal damage
- CPR is a temporary measure and does not replace immediate veterinary care; delays can reduce chances of recovery
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