How to Do Pet CPR on Dogs and Cats
Start here
Pet CPR can keep blood and oxygen moving if your dog or cat stops breathing and has no heartbeat, buying time to reach a vet. Only start CPR if your pet is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse — then give 100–120 chest compressions per minute with rescue breaths, and get to an emergency vet immediately. CPR is a last resort while you transport; it's not a substitute for professional care.
Before you start: check first
Only perform CPR on a pet that is unconscious, not breathing, and has no heartbeat. Chest compressions on a pet with a working heart can cause harm.
Do a fast check (about 5–10 seconds):
- Responsiveness — call their name and gently touch them. No reaction?
- Breathing — watch for the chest rising or feel for breath. None?
- Heartbeat/pulse — feel for a heartbeat on the left side of the chest behind the front leg, or a pulse on the inner thigh (femoral artery).
If there's no breathing and no heartbeat, begin CPR and have someone call the emergency vet immediately so they're ready when you arrive.
If your pet is breathing or has a pulse, do not do compressions — instead keep them warm, still, and get to a vet right away.
Chest compressions
Lay your pet on their side on a firm, flat surface. Hand position depends on size:
- Medium to large dogs: place both hands, one on top of the other, over the widest part of the chest.
- Deep-chested dogs (like Greyhounds): compress directly over the heart, low on the chest behind the front leg.
- Cats and small dogs: wrap one hand around the chest with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other, or use one hand over the heart.
Then:
- Compress about one-third to one-half the width of the chest.
- Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute — the rhythm of the song "Stayin' Alive."
- Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
- Do 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths, and repeat.
Rescue breaths
After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths:
- Close the mouth and extend the neck so the airway is straight.
- Cover the nose with your mouth (for small pets and cats, cover both nose and mouth).
- Blow gently until you see the chest rise — don't over-inflate.
- Give a second breath, then return to compressions.
Practical take: If you're alone, prioritize compressions and add breaths when you can. Continuous chest compressions are better than stopping too often.
Continue cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Check for a heartbeat and breathing every 2 minutes, and don't interrupt compressions for more than a few seconds.
Compressions and breaths at a glance
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Compression rate | 100–120 per minute for dogs and cats. |
| Compression depth | About one-third to one-half the chest width. |
| Ratio | 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. |
| Recheck | Check for breathing and a heartbeat every 2 minutes. |
| Keep going | Until your pet revives or you reach the vet. |
Choking is different: if an object is blocking the airway, look inside the mouth and remove it only if you can see and reach it safely, or perform back blows / abdominal thrusts. Don't blindly sweep the throat, which can push the object deeper.
After CPR and being prepared
CPR is a bridge to veterinary care, not a cure — even if your pet revives, they need to be seen immediately, because whatever caused the arrest still needs treatment and problems can recur.
Prepare before you ever need it:
- Take a pet first-aid or CPR class through a reputable organization.
- Keep a pet first-aid kit and your vet and emergency clinic numbers handy.
- Know your pet's normal breathing and heart rate so you can tell what's abnormal.
Keeping a record of your pet's baseline vitals, chronic conditions, and medications means that in a crisis you (or whoever is with your pet) can give the emergency team accurate information fast.
Keep your pet's emergency info at your fingertips
Tavi stores your pet's weight, medications, conditions and vet contacts in one place, so in an emergency you can act fast and give the clinic an accurate history. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
When should I do CPR on my dog or cat?
Only when your pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no heartbeat or pulse. Chest compressions on a pet whose heart is still beating can cause harm. If your pet is breathing or has a pulse, keep them still and warm and get to a vet immediately instead.
How fast should chest compressions be for pets?
Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute for both dogs and cats, roughly the beat of the song Stayin' Alive. Compress about one-third to one-half the width of the chest, allow full recoil between compressions, and give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
How do I give a pet rescue breaths?
Close the mouth, straighten the neck, and cover the nose with your mouth (cover both nose and mouth in small pets and cats). Blow gently just until you see the chest rise, avoiding over-inflation. Give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
How long should I continue pet CPR?
Continue until your pet starts breathing and has a heartbeat on their own, or until you reach a vet who can take over. Check for breathing and a pulse every two minutes, but keep interruptions to just a few seconds so blood keeps circulating.
Does pet CPR really work?
CPR can keep oxygen and blood moving and sometimes revives a pet, but success rates are limited and it works best alongside immediate veterinary care. Think of it as a way to buy time on the way to the clinic, not a replacement for professional treatment of the underlying cause.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); American Red Cross; Merck Veterinary Manual; VCA Animal Hospitals