In case of emergency: The importance of learning CPR, pet first aid

Our pets rely on us to take care of them when they’re sick or injured. But if we’re not prepared, panic and confusion can hinder our ability to act appropriately when they need us most. The best way to increase your chances of responding quickly and calmly is to familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid techniques.

“Though never a substitute for veterinary treatment, properly applied first aid can minimize a pet’s trauma and even save their life until you are able to transport them to a veterinarian,” said Dr. Belinda Evans, Marin Humane’s director of veterinary services.

Your first priority: You

In an emergency, your priority should always be to protect yourself. Any injured animal has the potential to bite and scratch, so always approach with caution.

If possible, muzzle the animal and gently restrain them before any care is administered. If necessary, you can make a homemade muzzle on the spot using a piece of cloth. Restraint techniques will depend on the extent and location of injury. It may be dangerous to muzzle an animal that’s coughing, vomiting, having trouble breathing or resisting out of fear. In this case, don’t attempt treatment on your own.

Check vital signs

Practice measuring vital signs on your healthy pet so you become sensitive to changes that signal a medical emergency.

The heartbeat of a dog or cat can be felt by laying them down on their right side and placing your hand over their chest, just behind the left elbow. Normal heart rates for dogs average 60 to 160 beats per minute, while cat heart rates average 160 to 220 beats per minute. Pulses may also be measured with your middle and index finger on the inner thigh, just below the wrist and just below the ankle.

You can measure an animal’s breathing rate by observing their sides to watch their chest expand. Alternatively, you can hold a tissue in front of the nostrils to see if it moves or hold a mirror up to the animal’s nose to look for condensation. Normal dog breathing rates are 10 to 30 breaths per minute, while cat breathing rates average 20 to 30 breaths per minute.

Know your ABCs

If an animal has stopped breathing, knowing the ABC steps (airway, breathing and circulation) can mean the difference between life and death. If there’s no breathing despite a clear airway, you’ll need to perform artificial respiration. If there’s no pulse, compressions alternating with breaths will be necessary.

The American Red Cross’ “Pet First Aid” book is a great resource for learning how to perform CPR, but a better way is to take a class where you can practice on an animal mannequin.

Is it an emergency?

Difficulty breathing, seizures, excessive bleeding, shock, poisoning, heatstroke and snake bites are some of the more obvious situations constituting an emergency. But some trauma can be less obvious. Learn what’s normal for your pet so that you can recognize when something is wrong. Keep the phone numbers for both your regular vet and the local emergency pet hospital in your phone contacts. They should be able to tell you whether you need to bring your pet in right away.

Learn more at our pet first aid and CPR workshop at 9 a.m. March 28. An American Safety and Health Institute-certified instructor provides hands-on, basic lifesaving techniques and preparedness, including basic pet first aid, CPR training, rescue breathing, restraint and muzzling, choking management, poison response and more. A first aid workbook and completion certificate are included. Tickets are $80. Sign up at marinhumane.org/events.

Lisa Bloch is the director of marketing and communications at Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin and welcomes questions and comments. Go to marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.