Mouth-to-Snout Resuscitation Saves Dog’s Life

Just wanted to comment here on the protocols for canine CPR.

First always check for a clear airway! Clear out anything they are choking on or any vomit.

Do chest compressions at a rate of 120 per minute (as stupid as you’ll feel, sing the song “Stayin’ Alive” in your head — it’s the right tempo). Give one breath every 10 pumps.

If the dog is anything but a small dog, you want to do chest compressions NOT over their heart, but over the widest part of their ribs in the thorax area. (If you want a technical explanation for why, it is because the shape of the ribcage puts too much resistance right over their heart, and pushing on the widest part of the ribs drastically changes pressure within the chest cavity, pushing blood out and pulling it back in.)

Also keep in mind that you’re using a lot of force and may feel like you’re going to break the ribs. Broken ribs is better than dead, but the worst you’re likely to do is some soft tissue damage.

Cats are very similar, but since they are small, you can do it directly over their heart. You can do it with both hands on the same side, or by holding their chest between two hands, whichever feels natural.

Glad the dog is okay, but when you actually read the story, that girl comes off like a total twit.

“Noochi’s dead, she said.

Did you try mouth-to-mouth? Kyle Deno asked.

It was too gross, Moriah said.”

So basically she gave up on mouth to mouth because it was gross… not the most heroic thing I’ve ever read.

Good to know, Ashley; thanks! I volunteer at the Humane Society, and while I hate to imagine this situation arising, I’d hate it even more if it came up and I didn’t know what to do.

“and the lesson learned (harness, not choke collar).”

Actually the lesson learned should be “don’t leave your dog (tied up?) outside unattended.” Even with a harness, the dog could still potentially have serious bodily harm.

You can’t prevent every type of injury, but common sense will avert most of them.