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                         February 8, 2002

Pet Pointers

A weekly pet tip or other bit of information
from Capt. Felicia D. Langel, USMA Veterinarian 938-3817

Pet CPR

While cardiac arrest in animals is rare, the following tells you what to do in case of such an emergency. If your pet stops breathing, you must first check the airway. Extend the animal’s head back and pull out its tongue. Be careful, some animals will bite out of instinct. Look and feel into the back of the throat for any foreign objects. If you cannot see or feel anything, close the animal’s mouth. Blow two breaths into the animal’s nose. If you hear the air go through smoothly then there is no obstruction. However, if the air will not pass then you must perform the Heimlich maneuver.

For small pets, hold the animal upside down by its ankles. Shake it gently to dislodge the foreign object. For large pets, lay the animal on its side and give several upward thrusts to the abdomen to dislodge the foreign object.

Continue rescue breathing for the animal as needed. Check for a heartbeat by placing your hand on the left side of the chest. If there is no heartbeat, lay the animal on its right side. Compress the left side of the chest at a rate of five compressions to one ventilation. While you are working to restore the animal’s circulation, have somebody transport you to the veterinarian immediately.

Make arrangements for your pets as part of your household emergency planning. If you must evacuate your home, it’s always best to take your pets with you. If you have to leave your pets behind, make sure you have a plan to ensure their care.

Decide on safe locations in your house where you could leave your pet in an emergency. Consider easy-to-clean areas such as utility areas or bathrooms and rooms with access to a supply of fresh water. If your pet is on medication or a special diet, find out from your veterinarian what you should do in case you have to leave it alone for several days. Keep your pet’s shots current and know where the records are. When assembling emergency supplies for the household, include items for pets: extra food, kitty litter, large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser and extra medication.