Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
by Karen Leshkivich, DVM

When using CPR, remember your ABC's
A-Airway
B-Breathing
C-Circulation

Airway--Obtain an airway
Actions:
Remove collars and leashes
open mouth carefully
Tilt head to drain any fluids
Extend head and neck
Gently pull out tongue to open airway
Breathing
Actions:
Close mouth to seal, wrap hands firmly around muzzle, place mouth over nose
Give 2 full breaths initially to expand the chest (1.5 to 2 seconds each)
If dog doesn't spontaneously breath, give 12-20 breaths per minute
Circulation
Actions:
Check for pulse
Lay dog on back with neck extended, straddle the body but don't sit on the dog.
Gently compress the abdomen by placing both hands on the sternum, 2/3 the distance front to rear on the sternum.
Compress the chest 1/4 to 1/3 the distance vertically.
Using firm steady movement, maintain contact with chest
80-100 compressions per minute
(PUPPY-lay pup on it's right side.  Place one hand on the spine to stabilize, place heel of your other hand behind the elbow, 1/3 distance from sternum, compress as for big dog)
One person CPR
Do initial 2 breaths, check for breathing and heartbeat
Perform chest compressions to ventilation in 15:1 ration (15 compressions, 1 breath)
Two person CPR
1 breath to every 3 compressions
Simultaneously breath and compress the chest, increases the pressure in chest
Abdominal compression
Directs blood toward the heart
Third person performs abdominal compressions--alternate with chest
Can wrap the abdomen with a towel or bandage.

Note-periodically check for femoral pulse, heartbeat or spontaneous breathing.  Stop CPR if heartbeat and breathing return.  Periodically check mucous membrane for color.  SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY