CPR is a lifesaver of dogs! Teaching pet owners how to administer CPR is a program supported by animal health organizations and by the American Red Cross. For the well being of the pet, it would be advantageous if at least one family member knows how to administer CPR. CPR is for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This chest compression and rescue breathing is aimed to resuscitate the pet that have had cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmunary procedure is an emergency care that will stabilize the pet's condition after cardiac arrest.

Electrocution and ingestion of poisonous substances, ingestion of foreign object that can create an airway blockage can snuff the life of the pet. Prevention will naturally be the best bet to save the pet from these life threatening conditions. Dogs have an inquisitive and energetic nature and no matter how dog owners try to keep the pet safe, accidents will still happen. An owner's best option is to get ready for any eventuality by learning how to administer first aid treatments. Competency of the owner to administer CPR can stabilize the condition before the pet is transported to a veterinary facility. CPR can save the life of the pet and allow the pet owner to have an enjoyable and loyal companion for many more days. CPR entails the administration of artificial respiration and chest compression. CPR can be administered by following the ABC process.

Step A is for airway. The first step is to check if the dog's airway is not blocked. A blocked airway will make the administration of artificial respiration futile. Extend the dog's head, open the mouth and try to see if a foreign object is blocking the airway. If there is a blockage, it can be dislodged by doing the Heimlich maneuver.

Rescue breathing can begin once the airway is cleared. While lying on his side, hold the mouth of the pet close and with the mouth over the dog's nose blow to make the chest move. One breath every 3 seconds must be given until the pet is breathing on its own. Breathing must be at full lung capacity to revive large dogs. Rescue breathing for smaller dogs must be just enough to make the chest rise and not to inflate the lungs.

Chest compression is done to a dog that has lost consciousness and to one that has no pulse nor heartbeat. Position the palm of the hand on the dog's ribcage over the heart. After the hands are positioned start compressing the chest. Compress the chest 3 times every two seconds. It would be necessary to breathe on the nose after doing five chest compressions

Sarah's Dogs has more information about first aid for dogs.

Dog first aid -do you want your dog to die because you don’t know basic first aid?

What are the aims of dog first aid?

To preserve your dog’s life, to prevent your dog suffering any longer than need be and to prevent the situation you are in from deteriorating any further.

Four rules of First Aid
Stay calm and don’t panic.
Maintain the airway: Pull the tongue forward and check there is nothing in the throat.
Make sure the dog can breathe, check for injuries to the chest.

Control bleeding.Contact the vet as soon as possible.

Accidents can and do happen no matter how much care and attention you give your dog.
Would you know what to do in an emergency? Having a first aid kit at hand could make all the difference. But how many ingredients do we put in one. At the very least it should contain :

* Bandages - adhesive and open weave
* Cotton wool
* 5" flat blunt ended scissors
* Tweezers
* Surgical sticky tape
* Water wash bottle and sterile saline solution
* Some non-adhesive absorbent dressings (5cm x 5cm) to cover open wounds
* Rope or soft length of cloth for use as a muzzle
* 3% Hydrogen peroxide
* Towels or cloth to stem bleeding
* Board or blanket which can be used as a stretcher
* A list of emergency phone numbers
Please visit dog first aid

Now we have the basic first aid kit, how do we use it?

Dogs that have been injured , can and will bite. To prevent this muzzle the dog using the rope or soft cloth. If the dog is involved in a traffic accident make sure it cannot be harmed any further by being in a dangerous place, lift injured dogs carefully with a board or blanket unless the dog is very badly injured or you suspect spinal injuries. Phone and ask advice from the vet.
The first priority in life-saving treatment is often referred to as A-B-C. Airway – Breathing – Circulation.

Make sure the dog has a good airway, pull the tongue forward and has nothing lodged in its throat.
Check for injuries to the dogs chest that will stop them from breathing.
Check any wounds for bleeding and apply a tight bandage or improvise with your towels or cloth.

Dog First Aid. Over 90% of canines will be subjected to a life threatening incident during their lifespan. We owe it to our pets to have information to help save their lives in an emergency. The first five minutes are absolutely crucial to your dogs health

* What would you do if your dog was choking?
* What would you do if your dog was bleeding?
* What would you do if your dog was suffering from
* What would you do if your dog was bitten?
* What would youdo if your dog’s leg was broken?
* What would you do if your dog was suffering from heatstroke?
* And just as importantly, would YOU know what NOT TO DO?
For more info click first aid kit

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