If the Pet is Unconscious -Take Action
Be aware that the pet may bite while becoming conscious!

• Drowning - You must first clear the lungs of water. Lift the back legs high over the head and squeeze the chest firmly until the fluid stops draining. Then go to CPR - below.
  
  
• Electrocution: be sure the source of the electricity has been stopped before touching the pet! Check for pulse and breathing and if necessary proceed to CPR - below.
  
  
• Choking: Clear the pet's throat. See step one below.
  
  
• No Pulse or Breathing - start CPR!
  
  
  1. Lay pet on its side and clean any debris (obstructions) from the airway.
     (Open the mouth, pull the tongue forward, extend the neck and sweep the back of the mouth with your finger.
     
     
  2. If the airway is clear, extend the neck, hold the tongue out of the mouth and close the pet's jaws over the tongue.
     
     
  3. Holding the jaws closed, breathe into both nostrils for 5 to 6 breaths. If there is no response, continue with artifical respiration. (breathing for the pet)
     
     
     • Dogs over 60 lb - 12 breaths per minute
     • Pets 11-60 lb - 16-20 breaths per minute
     • Pets under 10 lb - 30 or more breaths per minute
       
       
  4. While pet is on it's side, depress (squeeze) the widest part of the chest wall (right behind the front legs) 1.5 to 3 inches with one or both hands.
     
     
     • Dogs over 60 lbs - 60 times per minute
     • Pets 11-60 lbs - 80-100 times per minute
     • Pets 5-10 lbs - 120-140 times per minute
     • Pets under 5 lbs - place your hands around the rib cage and apply cardiac massage
       
       
  5. You may need to repeat the above steps for some time before the pet responds.
     
     
• Any pet that has lost consciousness should be seen by your veterinarian. There may be head or other injuries that you are not aware of.