10 Top Tips that could Save your Dog’s Life
Danger – Human safety always takes priority – always check it is safe for you and others
Phone the Vet as soon as possible and always take their advice.
Response – check to see if they are conscious
Approach from behind, initially touch with your foot.
If no response to a foot touch, use the back of your hand (less invasive than using your palm).
Touch or stroke to see if there is a response
Airway – is their airway clear?
Cautiously check in their mouth and tilt their head back to open their airway.
Breathing – are they breathing? – look down their body to see if they are breathing
Circulation / CPR – have they got a pulse?
Please note that the pulse is not always easy to feel, particularly if there is more body fat
If they have a pulse but are not breathing, give 5 rescue breaths 
If they are unconscious and not breathing – give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
For a barrel chested dog you may get better pressure with them positioned on their back – ideally you would have more than one person for this to be possible.
If there has been no response in 15 minutes it is extremely unlikely that they will recover.
Please come and join us on one of our practical or online first aid courses, we also have the First Aid for Dogs book available on Amazon
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
Remember to visit our other websites: First Aid for Life and Online First Aid
