Vet Minute: CPR Tips for Puppies and Kittens

Last updated: February 04, 2020

In this Vet Minute, Revival's Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about kitten and puppy CPR and how to help a newborn puppy that is not breathing.
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Note: When it comes to chest compressions on a puppy, Dr. Greer notes, having success with chest compressions on a puppy or kitten is tricky. She recommends before attempting chest compressions, to first clear the airway and ventilate the puppy with a bulb syringe or mouth to mouth breathing. If the puppy still does not have a heartbeat and mouth to mouth breathing hasn't worked, chest compressions are an option. Greer recommends 120 compressions a minute using your thumb and index fingers. A tip is to give compressions to the beat of the song "Stayin alive, Stayin alive."

Video Transcript

If you have a newborn puppy or kitten that isn't breathing, performing CPR may be necessary. I'm Dr. Marty Greer, Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health. If a puppy or kitten isn't breathing time is of the essence. To perform CPR, first clear their airway with a DeLee Mucus Trap and a bulb syringe. Then watch for breathing and feel or listen with a stethoscope for a heartbeat. If they have a heartbeat but are not breathing, ventilate the puppy with a bulb syringe or mouth to mouth breathing. If they also do not have a heartbeat, perform chest compressions with your thumb and index fingers alternating with mouth to mouth breathing.

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