Essential CPR Techniques for Dogs During Heatwaves
Experts reveal how to give your dog the 'kiss of life' during a heatwave

Image: Mail Online
As the UK experiences record-high temperatures, experts emphasize the importance of knowing how to perform CPR on dogs. With heat stroke being a leading cause of cardiac arrest in pets, understanding the 'kiss of life' could be crucial for survival. Immediate veterinary care remains essential even after first aid.
- 01Heat stroke can lead to cardiac arrest in dogs, with one in four affected pets not surviving.
- 02CPR for dogs involves 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths delivered through the nostrils.
- 03Flat-chested breeds should be placed on their backs for CPR, while others should lie on their right side.
- 04Immediate veterinary care is crucial even if the dog appears to recover after CPR.
- 05Interest in pet first-aid training is growing, with many veterinary practices offering courses.
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With the UK facing its hottest May on record, veterinarians are urging dog owners to learn CPR techniques, known as the 'kiss of life', to potentially save their pets during heatwaves. Heat stroke is a leading cause of cardiac arrest in dogs, with research indicating that one in four dogs suffering from heat-related illnesses do not survive. Dr. Emma Chandley, a veterinary surgeon, emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to maintain air and blood circulation until professional help can be reached. Owners should recognize signs of cardiac arrest, such as unresponsiveness and lack of breathing. CPR for dogs differs from humans; rescue breaths should be given through the nostrils, and chest compressions should be performed at a rate of two per second. The RSPCA warns that while first aid can be lifesaving, it should not replace professional veterinary care. Certain breeds, such as King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and bulldogs, are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications. As temperatures are expected to remain high, pet first-aid training courses are increasingly popular among owners looking to safeguard their pets.
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Pet owners may need to act quickly to save their pets during extreme heat.
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