Though we do our best to keep our puppies safe, there are times when disaster strikes. If this happens to you, you need to be prepared in order to save your puppy’s life. It is imperative that you know exactly what to do in every given situation.
Puppy CPR
Calm you puppy as much as possible, lay him on his side and pull his tongue out of his mouth. Align his head and neck to open airways. Enfold your hand around his muzzle, gently closing his mouth. Place your mouth over his muzzle and give two full breaths of air. If the airway is clear, continue resuscitation at the rate of ten breaths per minute and transport your puppy to the nearest animal hospital or veterinary clinic.
If the air doesn’t flow easily into the airway, check the puppy’s mouth and throat for obstructions. Remove any foreign matter or objects and try the CPR again. If the air still isn’t reaching your puppy’s lungs, you have to attempt the Heimlich maneuver.
Heimlich Maneuver for Puppies
Make a fist with one hand and place it against your puppy’s stomach. Using both hands, lift your puppy’s back legs off the ground. Thrust upward rapidly three times. Lay your puppy on his side and attempt CPR. Transport your puppy to the nearest animal hospital or veterinary clinic.
Choking
If your puppy is small, sit on the floor and place the puppy on your knee so his stomach is against it. Place your hands on the puppy’s back and quickly push him against your knee in a thrusting motion. Be firm, yet gentle. If you are too rough, you can injure your puppy’s back stomach or ribs.
For puppies that are too large to place on your knee, stand over his back with one leg on each side. Lift his back legs off the ground, place your hand against his stomach and thrust upward. Repeat 5 times if necessary. If the object doesn’t dislodge, lay your puppy on his side and perform the Heimlich maneuver. If this doesn’t help, seek veterinary care immediately.