When Does Your Dog Require Artificial Respiration?

When you are a pet owner, it is vital to know some basic pet first aid in case the unthinkable happens and your pet requires your help. Artificial respiration is a procedure that is used to manually circulate oxygen through the system of a dog that has stopped breathing on its own. The goal of this medical intervention is to prevent brain damage and other complications that can occur when oxygen flow to the brain is cut off.

When to Use Artificial Respiration

Artificial respiration is a life-saving first-aid measure for dogs that have stopped breathing but still have a heartbeat. It is not effective for dogs that do not have a heartbeat. If you see your dog has stopped breathing, check for a heartbeat by feeling the chest and neck area near the base of the front legs. If there is no heartbeat, then CPR will not be effective and artificial respiration will not help. If your dog does have a heartbeat, then begin artificial respiration immediately.

Types of Artificial Respiration

Two common methods are the mouth-to-snout method and the modified lift method. With the mouth-to-snout method, you simply seal your lips around your dog’s nose and breathe into the nose while watching the chest rise. With the modified lift method, you place your dog on its side and lift the head up so that the chin is level with the horizon. Once again, you seal your lips around the nose and breathe into it while watching the chest rise.

If you are not comfortable with either of these methods, there are many instructional videos available online that can show you how to properly perform artificial respiration on your dog. Time is of the essence when it comes to artificial respiration, so it is important to act quickly. That means you need to be sure to learn how to do artificial respiration before it’s needed, so you can work quickly when the time comes.

Reasons Your Dog May Need Artificial Respiration

There are several reasons why your dog may stop breathing and need artificial respiration. Some of those include:

• Drowning: Drowning is a major cause of death in dogs, particularly during the summer months. However, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of drowning, as dogs are often able to swim for long periods of time before they succumb to fatigue. There are several key signs to look for if you suspect that your dog is drowning. First, check for any obvious signs of distress, such as pawing at the water or crying out. If your dog is submerged, look for violent struggling or rapid movement of the limbs. Finally, keep an eye out for unexpected silence; a dog that has been submerged for too long will often stop making noise altogether. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly and bring your dog to shore as soon as possible. With prompt treatment, many dogs can be saved from drowning.
• Choking: The most common sign of choking is pawing at the mouth or throat. Your dog may also gag, retch, or cough. Its breathing may be labored, and it may have trouble swallowing. If your dog is having trouble breathing, it will likely try to lie down in order to open up its airway. In severe cases, your dog may collapse and go into shock.
• Smoke Inhalation: While most people are aware of the dangers of smoke inhalation for humans, they may not realize that it can also be deadly for dogs. Dogs have a much higher rate of respiration than humans, which means that they take in more air and are therefore at greater risk of exposure to harmful toxins. In addition, the coat of a dog’s fur can trap smoke and chemicals, making it difficult for them to escape from a fire. As a result, dogs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation.

Seek Veterinary Care with Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital

If your dog stopped breathing, even briefly, it is important to seek veterinary care to ensure there are no long-lasting effects. If you are able to successfully perform artificial respiration on your dog, reach out to Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital for next steps. Located in Simi Valley, CA, we also serve the surrounding areas of Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and areas nearby Ventura County. If your dog requires artificial respiration, call or stop by today so we can ensure your furry friend has completely recovered.

posted on August 2, 2022 at 8:31 pm by Doctor Ron