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Canine CPR!

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The importance of learning and knowing CPR for your dog!

In 2007, I read about how my blogging friend, Tish, saved her pup Cruella from choking, and then performed CPR to save her life. It was a very scary situation and we thank dog she knew what to do!

Tish and Cruella brought to my attention just how important it is to know information on how to perform CPR on your dog! You just never know what can happen.

Here we bring you information on how to learn CPR and when to use it. As my Mum always says, BE PREPARED!

Read on to learn more.

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On March 4th, 2010, I was saddened to learn that Cruella, the inspiration for this lens, made her trip to the rainbow bridge from complications associated with Cushing's Disease. We dedicate this lens to Cruella and her Mum, Tish, and thank them for allowing us to share their story and bring to light the importance of knowing CPR for your dog. Cruella will live on in the lives of all the dogs saved by the knowledge and awareness this lens shares.

Veterinary soldiers in training perform a variety of exercises to help Military Working Dogs. In our main image, Staff Sgt. Thomas Rath, the Charlie Co., 3-2 GSAB senior flight medic, trained the veterinary Soldiers using a dog manikin (or simulaid) on proper techniques used in urgent first aid and transport. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army photos by Steven Hoover.

Contents at a Glance

How to perform CPR on your pup!
Canine CPR resources!
Checking the vitals!
Officer Mike helps save a dog's life wit...
Learn CPR with the Canine CPR DVD!
Canine CPR in the news!

Canine CPR resources!

Pet CPR & First Aid: A link to a simple breakdown of dog and cat CPR, written for the average pet owner.
Canine CPR PDF and Flyer: A great link to a brochure/flyer from Lori H. Feldman, DVM and Henry J. Feldman, M.D. on procedures for implementing Canine CPR. This flyer is perfect for printing out and keeping in your car, home and pet first aid kit!
How to give your dog CPR: Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, as it is called, is a version of artificial respiration that includes assisting the heart to beat. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen moving to the lungs and blood circulating throughout the body. The directions contained here apply to dogs. Please remember, while these instructions may be good in an emergency, it is wise to check with your Vet to establish the procedure that is best for your dog
Learn the Heimlich maneuver and be prepared: The well known Heimlich Maneuver or 'Hug of Life' for removing obstructions in human throats works for dogs and cats too. Learn how...
Tips to help a choking dog: Signs that your dog is choking include convulsive coughing, choking noises, open mouth, protruding tongue and pawing at the mouth. Learn more...

Checking the vitals!

Vital Statistics
Pulse and Heart Rate

Normal resting rates:
Cats: 150-200 bpm
Small dogs: 90-120 bpm
Medium dogs: 70-110 bpm
Large dogs: 60-90 bpm
Pulse should be strong, regular and easy to locate.

Checking the pulse

The easiest place to locate a pulse is the femoral artery in the groin area. Place your fingers on the inside of the hind leg and slide your hand upward until the back of your fingers touches the abdomen. Gently move your fingers back and forth on the inside of the hind leg until you feel the pulsing blood. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4. This will give you the beats per minute (bpm).

Temperature

Normal temp. for dogs and cats: 100-102.5 degrees

Info provided courtesy: The American Red Cross. Be sure and get their book - Dog First Aid.

Officer Mike helps save a dog's life with CPR!

Learn CPR with the Canine CPR DVD!

Knowing how to respond quickly in an emergency and, if necessary, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives.

In this Canine CPR DVD, featured veterinarian Dr. Melanie Mokos discusses practical issues and provides a step-by-step demonstration of the techniques.

Instruction includes: definition of cardiopulmonary arrest, assessment of the dog, preparing the dog for CPR, demonstration of breathing and compression techniques, CPR techniques for one or two people, benefits of learning canine CPR.

Get the Canine CPR DVD and be prepared!

Canine CPR in the news!

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Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit

Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen so be prepared. The Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit is a high-quality first aid kit designed just for dogs. It contains over 40 veterinarian-recommended emergency items in a blue padded and insulated Thermos carrying case that is 10"L x 7"W x 3"D. This first aid kit also contains a 112-page book, Emergency First Aid for Your Dog by Dr. Tamara S. Shearer, which fits conveniently inside the cover of the kit.

Firefighter Odom saves pup with CPR!

Big kudos to Firefighter Odom in Northwest Louisiana for saving a pups life with Canine CPR in March of 2008! We applaud you, Firefighter Odom.

"The fact that firefighters can be lifesavers isn't anything new, but the back-to-life efforts of one Louisiana smoke-eater went above and beyond the call of duty. It happened in the town of West Monroe on Friday when Stephen Odom was called to a blaze at a home on a local street.

The fearful owner told him her two dogs were trapped inside the burning wreckage and pleaded with the crews to try and save them. Odom put on his oxygen mask, took a spare with him, and ventured into the smoky darkness, heading for the room where the animals were kept.

He found them under some blankets in their carriers, trapped in the house, and brought them outside. But it looked like it might have been too late for one of the terriers. The little dog wasn't breathing when he pulled it out of the cage and so Odom decided to do for the animal what he'd do for a human - administer CPR."

Read more!

The American Red Cross Pet First Aid Classes!

The best way to learn CPR is through an American Red Cross pet first aid class. They have classes all over the country!

Click here and search for your local chapter to find one near you!

You can also find pet first aid classes through PetTech.net.

More lifesaving tips!

Cool stuff for cool dogs!

Be sure and visit my website - JohannTheDog.com - where you can shop for cool stuff for cool dogs!

We've put together, in one place, all the cool stuff you need for your dog! You can find dog beds, all natural foods and treats, collars, leashes, charms, training and agility gear, vitamins and supplements, books, clothing, toys and more!

And the best part is we donate 10% of our profits to dog rescues and shelters!

Learn some quick Heimlich tips for your dog.

Keep this chart handy!

Be sure and keep this chart handy - add it to all your first aid kits, and put one in your car.

Chart courtesy of Southwind Animal Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Source: American Red Cross.

Whew! Watch as dog trainer Ron Pace saves dog with CPR after suffering a seizure.

Canine CPR Lens of the Day!

This lens on Canine CPR was blessed by Squidoo on August 16, 2007 as the Lens of the Day. Thank you Squidoo, what a great honor!

In addition, in 2008 this lens was a nominee for the 2008 Giant Squid Awards for Best Pet Lens.

Remember, everyone, BE PREPARED!

And for the humans, check out...

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.

Leave me some woofs!

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jimmyworldstar Jan 27, 2012 @ 6:07 pm | delete

I wasn't aware you could even give CPR to dogs, thanks for the tips. Never know when it'll come in handy.

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Edutopia Jan 26, 2012 @ 2:15 am | delete

Great lens on a skill that you wouldn't normally think you'd need but can come in handy and be literally life saving!

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TheHealthCabin Jan 25, 2012 @ 8:54 am | delete

Woof! Great Lens, informative and important. Thank you.

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DogWatchColumbus Jan 24, 2012 @ 9:05 pm | delete

Fabulous lens! What a great way to teach people about a very important topic!

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Find-Online Jan 24, 2012 @ 8:36 pm | delete

I learned a lot from this lens.

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PastorCher Jan 23, 2012 @ 1:50 am | delete

Good to see this. Things have changed in the way they do some of the things, so I'm glad I saw this. Do they have one for cats? The man didn't show it very well on the cat video.

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ChrissLJ Jan 22, 2012 @ 9:01 pm | delete

Thankfully this was something they covered in Puppy Kindergarten, though I learned it a little differently. I haven't had to use it yet **knocks on wood**, but I have had to dig something out of my dog's throat when she started choking and was unable to dislodge it herself. Luckily we had both trained for emergency situations and she wasn't frightened more of my fingers going into her throat.

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JoshK47 Nov 30, 2011 @ 10:28 am | delete

I'm glad to know about this - definitely bookmarking it for further studying in case anything like this happens to a canine friend of mine. Thank you for sharing.

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Hope Nov 8, 2011 @ 3:17 pm | delete

Hi, Johann! I just wanted to Thank You - for being an inspirational, informed, incredibly talented Squidooer and good friend. You've been a tremendous help when we were getting started on Squidoo and you're always there when I need a resource, an idea, an inspiration, or a boost to get me going. Thank you!

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kyhillbullies Sep 27, 2011 @ 5:40 pm | delete

Great lens! Loved it!

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renstar Aug 11, 2011 @ 8:30 am | delete

wow I will learn that now! But I hope I never need to use it Nice Lens
I have a Rottweiler crossed with Staffordshire bull terrier called Kingston