Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a last-resort intervention when a pet has suffered cardiac arrest—meaning the heart has stopped beating and the animal is unresponsive with no pulse. The decision to begin CPR must be made quickly. According to the RECOVER (Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation) initiative, you should start CPR immediately if your pet is:
- Unconscious and unresponsive to voice or touch
- Not breathing or only gasping
- Without a detectable pulse (check the femoral artery in the groin)
Warning: Do not perform CPR on a conscious animal or one with a heartbeat. CPR can cause serious injury including rib fractures. If you are unsure whether your pet has a pulse, err on the side of starting compressions—delayed CPR significantly reduces survival.
The RECOVER guidelines, first published in 2012 and updated in 2024, represent the international consensus on veterinary CPR. These evidence-based recommendations have improved outcomes by standardizing technique across the profession.
The optimal compression rate for both dogs and cats is 100-120 BPM. This matches human CPR guidelines and maximizes cardiac output. Too slow reduces blood flow; too fast prevents adequate chest recoil and venous return. A CPR Metronome or rhythm aid is invaluable for maintaining the correct rate under stress.
Compress the chest to approximately one-third to one-half of the chest width. For most dogs, place the animal in right lateral recumbency and compress over the widest part of the chest (the heart). For barrel-chested breeds like Bulldogs, lateral compression may be more effective. For cats and small dogs under 10 kg, use one-handed compressions; for larger dogs, use both hands.
The 2024 RECOVER guidelines recommend a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 when performing CPR alone—30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. When two people are available, continuous compressions with one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) may be preferred to minimize interruptions.
Each breath should be delivered over approximately 1 second, with just enough volume to see the chest rise. Over-inflation can cause gastric distension and regurgitation.
Assess
Confirm unresponsiveness, no breathing, no pulse.
Position
Place in right lateral recumbency on a firm surface.
Compress
100-120 BPM, one-third to one-half chest width depth.
Ventilate
After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths (1 second each).
Continue
Repeat cycles. Reassess every 2 minutes.
- Insufficient depth: Shallow compressions do not generate adequate blood flow.
- Leaning on the chest: Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
- Incorrect hand placement: Compress over the heart, not the abdomen.
- Hyperventilation: Too many or too forceful breaths cause gastric inflation.
- Stopping too soon: Continue CPR until you reach veterinary care or a professional takes over.
CPR is a bridge to definitive care. Even if you achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), your pet needs immediate veterinary evaluation. Cardiac arrest often has an underlying cause—electrolyte abnormalities, toxin exposure, hemorrhage, or primary cardiac disease—that requires treatment. Drive to the nearest emergency clinic while a passenger continues CPR if needed, or call for emergency transport. Use the CPR Emergency Drug Calculator and Vital Signs Reference for support.
- Start CPR immediately — when pet is unconscious, not breathing, no pulse.
- 100-120 BPM compressions — use a metronome; compress ⅓–½ chest width.
- 30:2 ratio when alone — 30 compressions, 2 breaths; allow full chest recoil.
- Seek veterinary care immediately — CPR is a bridge; definitive care is essential.