How To Do CPR On A Dog (Step-by-Step, No Time To Waste)

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

If your dog suddenly stops breathing or has no pulse, you have less than two minutes to act and guessing won’t cut it. What you do in the next 2 minutes could save their life.

This is your step-by-step guide to CPR for dogs, not humans. The technique is different, and knowing when to use artificial respiration (AR) only vs. full CPR (compressions + breaths) can make all the difference.

I’ll show you precisely what to do, when to do it, and how to give your dog the best chance at survival.

Can You Do CPR On A Dog?

Yes, CPR on dogs is real, and it can save their life.

It’s called canine CPR, and vets use it every day in emergencies. However, it’s not quite the same as human CPR, so knowing the correct steps is crucial.

How To Know If Your Dog Needs CPR

Before you start pressing or breathing, you need to know if your dog actually needs CPR. Doing it on a conscious or breathing dog could make things worse, so this part matters.

Do CPR if your dog is…

• Unconscious and not responding
• Not breathing (watch chest for 10 seconds)
• No heartbeat (can’t feel a pulse)

How To Check If Your Dog Is Breathing

1. Look at their chest – Is it rising and falling?
2. Put your hand or cheek near their nose – Do you feel air movement?
3. Watch for 10 full seconds. Slow or shallow breathing can be hard to spot.

If your dog is breathing, take them to the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

If they are not breathing, there may not be enough time to rush to the vet. It is time to take immediate action.

• Start by checking their airway for any blockage.
• Pull the tongue forward as far as possible and gently try to remove any objects in the throat or mouth.
• If your dog reacts to you trying to remove the object, stop immediately to protect yourself from being bitten. If they’ve responded, it means they don’t need CPR at this point.
• If your dog doesn’t react, you will need to perform CPR or AR.

How To Check Your Dog’s Pulse

The easiest place to find your dog’s pulse is the femoral artery, located on the inner thigh.

1. Gently lay your dog on their right side.
2. Run your fingers along the inside of the hind leg, near where the leg meets the body.
3. Feel for a slight dip in the muscle. That’s where the femoral artery runs just under the skin.
4. Press lightly with your fingers (not your thumb) and wait a few seconds for the pulse.

Can’t find it there? Try these backup spots:

• Just above the large center pad (metacarpal pad) on the front paw
• Directly over the heart, on the left side of the chest

Your dog’s heart is located on the left side of their chest. To find the heart:

• Lay your dog on their right side, then bend their left front leg.
• Where the elbow touches the chest is the location of the heart.

I’ll walk you through how to do CPR on dogs next…

How To Do CPR On A Dog: 6 Steps

CPR success rates are low, even in hospitals with trained professionals. So, contact and begin transport to the nearest vet clinic ASAP.

Important: Do NOT practice CPR on a healthy dog. CPR can cause serious physical harm to dogs if performed unnecessarily. If your dog shows any signs of resistance to you performing CPR, it may not be necessary.

Step 1: Lay Your Dog On Their Right Side

• Lay your dog on a hard, flat surface. If you have a barrel-chested dog, such as a Bulldog, you can place your dog on their back.
• Straighten their head and neck as best you can to create a direct passage for their airway.
• Pull the tongue forward so that it rests against the back of their teeth and shut their mouth.
• Position yourself behind their back. You can either kneel or stand.

Step 2: Locate The Heart

• Bend your dog’s left front leg so the elbow touches the chest.
• The spot where the elbow lands is roughly where the heart is located.
• Place both of your palms, one over the other, with fingers interlaced.
• That’s where you’ll do compressions.
• For smaller dogs weighing 30lbs (13.6kg) or less, cup your hands around the dog’s rib cage, placing your fingers on one side of the chest and your thumb on the other.

Step 3: Begin Chest Compressions

• Keeping both elbows straight and shoulders directly above your hands, push down on the rib cage in firm, quick compressions. Only compress 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest width.
• Do 30 compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute (about 2 per second).
• For smaller dogs, use one hand or your thumb and fingers to squeeze the chest to about a 1/4 or 1/3 of its width.

Performing chest compressions gets tiring quickly. If you have someone helping you, switch off doing compressions with the other person every two minutes. If you don’t, ask for help when possible.

Step 4: Give 2 Rescue Breaths

• Begin by sealing the dog’s lips. Place your hand over the dog’s muzzle and ensure the mouth is completely closed.
• Next, place your mouth over the dog’s nostrils and blow gently, watching for the chest to lift and expand. If the chest does not rise, blow harder into the nostrils and check that the mouth is properly sealed.
• For smaller dogs, place your mouth over their entire muzzle.
• Remove your mouth from the nose/muzzle between breaths to allow for air return.
• Administer two breaths for every 30 compressions.

If two people are available, one person should perform chest compressions while the other gives rescue breaths. Coordinate so that for every 30 compressions, the second person gives two rescue breaths. This allows you to maintain the correct CPR rhythm without stopping.

If you are only performing artificial respiration, follow the same procedure as above for sealing your dog’s mouth, and administer one breath every two to three seconds at a steady pace of 20 to 30 breaths per minute.

Step 5: Repeat the Cycle – 30 Compressions + 2 Breaths

• 30 compressions → 2 breaths → repeat.
• Continue for 2 minutes, then stop to reassess pulse and breathing.

If there’s no improvement, continue CPR and get emergency help ASAP.

Check your dog every 2 minutes to see if they are responding. Continue CPR or artificial respiration until the dog starts to breathe on their own and has regained a steady pulse.

Step 6: Recheck Every 2 Minutes

Pause every 2 minutes to check for:

• Pulse
• Breathing
• Movement or signs of life

If there’s still no pulse, resume CPR immediately and keep going until:

• Your dog starts breathing/pulse returns
• A vet or emergency responder takes over
• You physically can’t continue

If the dog is not breathing after 20 minutes, it’s time to consider discontinuing treatment, as it’s unlikely that success will be achieved after this point.

How To Do CPR On A Dog – Visual Guide

Want to see how CPR on a dog is done step-by-step? This short video from Dr. Jones on his Veterinary Secrets YouTube channel shows what real CPR on a dog looks like, including proper hand placement, rescue breaths, and timing.

What About Pet Ambulance Services?

If someone is with you during the emergency, have them search for a pet ambulance in your area while you perform CPR. Some cities and counties offer emergency transport for pets, especially near major metro areas, which could improve your dog’s chances of survival.

Is no ambulance available? Have your helper call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. Ask:

• Should you continue CPR where you are?
• Can you safely transfer your dog to the car while continuing compressions?
• Is it possible for a mobile vet to come to you?

Every second counts, and obtaining expert input promptly can help you make the right decision.

Doggie CPR: What Changes For Small vs. Large Dogs

Not all dogs are built the same, and the CPR technique must be adjusted according to your dog’s size and chest shape. Doing it the wrong way can cause injury or reduce the chances of success.

Here’s how to adjust doggie CPR based on your pet’s size:

For Small Dogs (Under 30 lbs)

• Use one hand or your fingers to do compressions. Never use your full body weight
• Chest depth compression: ¼ to ⅓ of the chest width
• Rescue breaths should be gentle puffs, not full lung air
• Be extra careful not to overextend the neck during breaths

Think “firm but careful.” Small dogs are fragile, but they still need real pressure.

For Medium to Large Dogs (30+ lbs)

• Use both hands, one on top of the other
• Chest compressions: ⅓ to ½ of the chest width

Dog CPR Success Rate: What Vets Say

Let’s be honest: CPR on a dog doesn’t guarantee a happy ending. But it can make the difference between life and death in some emergencies.

Statistics state that despite an initial 58% survival rate post initial CPR there is only a 3-6% survival rate to discharge in dogs and a 2-10% rate in cats. However, these figures differ significantly in patients which undergo cardiopulmonary arrest and CPR whilst under anaesthesia with a survival rate to discharge of nearly 50%.

– WebinarVet

What Affects Canine CPR Success?

Several key factors impact whether dog CPR works:

• How quickly you start CPR after the heart stops
• Whether the cause is trauma, drowning, heatstroke, or unknown
• If you’re using proper technique (compression depth, breath rate)
• If you’re transporting to emergency care at the same time

Dog CPR Isn’t Risk-Free: Here’s How To Prepare & Do It Safely

Performing CPR on a dog is physically intense, and while it can save a life, it can also cause injury. Potential complications include broken ribs, collapsed lungs (pneumothorax), or general trauma.

That said, these injuries are treatable by a vet and should never be a reason to stop CPR in a life-threatening emergency.

If you think you’ve applied too much pressure or suspect a rib may have broken, continue CPR with gentler compressions. But don’t stop unless your dog regains a pulse or a vet takes over.

Important: CPR and artificial respiration should never be practiced on a healthy dog.

Instead:

• Learn your dog’s anatomy by practicing how to locate their pulse and heart
• Save emergency vet contact info in your phone and post it in your home
• Know the closest 24-hour animal hospitals in your area before an emergency happens

Preparing now, without actually practicing compressions, can help you act quickly when seconds count.

Learn Dog CPR From The Pros

Take a certified dog CPR class. Many pet-focused organizations offer hands-on or online courses in canine first aid, including CPR.

• Pet Tech offers in-person classes (often 8 hours) taught by certified instructors. These cover CPR, wound care, choking, and more, with a certificate upon completion.
• The American Red Cross also offers free or low-cost online pet CPR and first aid courses, which is a great place to start.

Talk to your vet. At your next appointment, ask your veterinarian to show you how to find your dog’s pulse and discuss emergency care tailored to your dog’s breed, size, and health risks.

Our Personal Experience With Dog CPR Courses

When I was a professional dog walker, staying up-to-date with pet first aid training, including how to do dog CPR, was part of the job. I cared for all kinds of dogs, often in unpredictable environments, so knowing how to respond in an emergency wasn’t optional, it was essential.

Those courses taught me how to stay calm, act fast, and recognize when CPR or rescue breathing was truly needed. Now, as a dog owner myself, I’m grateful I learned those skills. I know exactly what to do if something ever happens to my own two pups, and that peace of mind is priceless.

Thankfully, I’ve never had to use CPR in a real emergency, but knowing I could if needed is incredibly reassuring. I strongly recommend that every dog owner take the time to earn their pet first aid certification. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your dog.

– Emma Braby, Dog Mom & Writer For Canine Journal

Dog CPR FAQs

CPR can feel overwhelming, especially in an emergency. That’s why I’ve answered some of the most common questions dog owners ask below.

Still unsure about something? Drop your question in the comments, and we’ll do our best to get you an answer or point you to a vet-approved resource.

Can You Do CPR On A Dog?

Yes. Dog CPR is real, and it’s often the only thing you can do while waiting for emergency help. The method is different from human CPR and involves chest compressions and rescue breaths.

What If My Dog Starts Vomiting During CPR?

Stop compressions briefly, clear their mouth and airway, and resume CPR as soon as possible. Vomiting can happen, especially if air builds in the stomach from rescue breaths.

Can I Break My Dog’s Ribs Doing CPR?

Yes, it’s possible, especially in small or elderly dogs. But in a true emergency, survival outweighs the risk of injury. Use the correct pressure for your dog’s size.

What If I’m Alone & Need To Call The Vet?

Try to call first, then begin CPR. If possible, put the vet on speakerphone while you work. If a second person is available, they should handle the call while you do compressions.

How Long Should I Keep Doing CPR?

Although the dog CPR success rate is low, it does save some dogs. You might just be one of the few to save your dog’s life. Keep going until:

• Your dog has a pulse or starts breathing
• A vet or emergency responder takes over
• You’re physically unable to continue
• It’s been longer than 20 minutes

Can I Do CPR While Driving My Dog To The Vet?

Only if someone else is driving and you’re safely positioned to perform CPR in the backseat or cargo area. Do not attempt CPR while driving.

Be Prepared Before An Emergency Happens

In an emergency, being prepared can make all the difference. Start by assembling a well-stocked dog first aid kit, including essentials such as gauze, antiseptic, gloves, and an activated charcoal kit in case of accidental poisoning.

Consider pet insurance, as having active coverage in place can alleviate hesitation when fast and costly treatment is needed. It’s also smart to review a disaster prep guide for pet owners, especially if you live in an area prone to storms, wildfires, or evacuations.

Tell Us Your Story. Have you ever had to perform CPR on a dog or taken a pet first aid course? We’d love to hear your experience. Share your story in the comments and help other dog owners learn from real-life situations. You never know who your advice might help.