Yes, You Can Use CPR & First Aid Techniques to Save Your Pets!
Have you met my dog, Whiskey? My husband and I are self-proclaimed schnauzer fanatics! We got Whiskey in 2022, just a few months after our previous mini schnauzer, Munchy, passed away from nasal cancer at the young age of 6. Losing Munchy was heartbreaking, and we were devastated. We knew we wanted another schnauzer to fill the void, and that’s when we found Whiskey, a little too small to be a show dog but perfect for our family. She came to us from an LSU Dental professor Dr. Cuffie (seen above in upper left photo!). He shows miniature schnauzers as a hobby, and honestly, Whiskey is the sweetest schnauzer we’ve ever had. We love her like crazy, and she’s been such a blessing.
October is National Pet Wellness Month, and while we’re all about spoiling our furry friends with treats and belly rubs, have you ever thought about how you’d help them in an emergency? We’re talking more than just making sure they stay out of the candy bucket this Halloween. What would you do if your pet started choking or had a seizure? What you do in those next few moments could save your pet’s life.
What to do if your pet is choking
Stay Calm: Panicking can make the situation worse for both you and your pet.
Check the Mouth: Open your pet’s mouth carefully to see if you can see the object causing the blockage. Do not perform blind sweeps. Never try to remove an object if you cannot see it. This may push it further into the airway.
Begin Choking Relief – Be gentle but firm. When performing these techniques, do not use excessive force, as it can cause internal injuries.
For small dogs (<30 pounds) place them on your lap with their back against your chest. Use two fingers to press firmly just below the ribcage and push in and upward in a quick motion.
For medium and large dogs, stand behind them, wrap your arms around their abdomen, and use both hands to push in and upward right below their ribs.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, it’s essential to get your dog checked out by a vet.
What to do if your pet is in Cardiac Arrest
Check for Breathing and Pulse: If your pet is unresponsive and not breathing, it may be in cardiac arrest. Place your hand on their chest to feel for a heartbeat or pulse.
Begin CPR: If there’s no heartbeat, start CPR right away:
Hand Positioning:
For small dogs (<30 pounds): Place your hand over the heart, around the lower third of the chest, just behind the elbow.
For medium to large dogs: Place your hands on the widest part of the chest. You can either use both hands (one hand on top of the other) or your palm, depending on the dog's size.
For barrel-chested dogs (e.g., bulldogs): Lay the dog on its back, and perform compressions on the breastbone, similar to human CPR.
Chest Compressions:
Compress about 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest depth with each push.
Compressions Rate: About 100-120 compressions per minute, similar to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.
Alternate between 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Close your pet’s mouth and give two breaths into their nose, making sure their chest rises with each breath.
Repeat: Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until your dog shows signs of life or you reach veterinary help.
Get to a Vet: Even if your dog revives, they’ll need immediate veterinary attention to assess any damage.
What to do if your pet is having a Seizure
Stay Calm and Clear the Area: Seizures are scary to witness, but it’s important to remain calm and avoid touching your pet. Clear any objects nearby that could hurt them during the episode.
Time the Seizure: If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, it could be a medical emergency, so be ready to call a vet.
Keep Them Safe: Do not attempt to restrain your pet during a seizure, but once the seizure ends, keep them as calm and quiet as possible.
Call Your Vet: After the seizure, contact your vet for advice and an assessment of what might have caused the episode. If this is your pet’s first seizure, getting them to a vet for evaluation is critical.
Halloween Treats to Avoid to Keep Your Dog Safe
Dogs are curious by nature, and they tend to eat and chew on things they shouldn’t. With Halloween treats, you may want to beware of your pet trying to steal away some of our favorite treats. It can be dangerous—or even deadly—for dogs. Here’s a list of Halloween treats to keep far away from your pup:
Chocolate – You may have heard of this one before. Even small amounts can be toxic for dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, or even seizures.
Candy with Xylitol – This is one you may not have heard of yet. This sugar substitute is extremely harmful to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to liver failure. Beware of ANY candies that say “sugar free”.
Raisins – While this may be a ‘healthier’ Halloween snacks for kids, raisins (and grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Hard Candy – These can be a choking hazard and, if swallowed, could lead to a blockage in your dog’s digestive system.
Caramel Apples – While apples themselves are fine, the sticky caramel and sharp sticks can be dangerous for your pet.
Candy Corn – High in sugar, candy corn can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to obesity or diabetes over time.
Nuts – Certain nuts, like macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, lethargy, and even neurological issues.
Be Prepared, Not Scared
No one likes to think about their pet being in danger, but knowing you’ve got the skills to help can ease a lot of that worry. I want give parents… even the pet parents… the confidence and knowledge to take control in emergencies. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have been through it all, training and practice can help build that confidence.
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