Why Every Dog Pet Parent Needs to Learn Canine CPR: Expert Insight from Canine Health Canada

In moments that matter most, being prepared can make all the difference–especially when it comes to the safety of our beloved canine companions. Canine CPR is a vital skill that every pet parent should consider learning, as emergencies can strike without warning. Whether a sudden cardiac arrest, choking incident, or anther life-threatening situation, knowing how to perform CPR on your dog can dramatically increase their chances of survival. In this Q&A, Zoran Lazic a certified instructor from Canine Health Canada, shares his insights with Canine Culture’s Amy Tokic on the importance of Canine CPR, the circumstances under which it may be needed, and the invaluable knowledge that pet parents can gain from specialized courses.

By Amy Tokic,

Canine Culture: How long have you offered your Canine CPR course?

Zoran Lazic: We have been offering our Canine CPR course going on two years, backed by certification from Canine Health Canada. This certification ensures that our training meets high standards and provides comprehensive skills in Canine CPR and Emergency First Aid, Advanced Extreme Emergency First Aid Response, and Dog Safety and First Aid for Kids.     Our courses have included the latest techniques and research in veterinary medicine, ensuring participants receive up-to-date knowledge that reflects current best practices.

Our being in the dog industry for almost 15 years has enhanced our teaching methods through real life experiences enabling us to deliver a more relatable learning experience. We’ve seen a growing recognition of the importance of canine emergency preparedness, and our courses are designed to meet this need by equipping pet owners, pet professionals, and children with the skills to respond effectively in critical situations.

CC: Why did you start offering Canine CPR?

ZL: We started offering Canine CPR courses because we identified a significant gap in pet safety education—one that Canine Health Canada also recognizes. Many pet owners are familiar with basic human CPR but often lack the specific knowledge needed to assist their dogs in emergencies. Given that pets are often regarded as family members, it became essential to provide pet parents with the tools to care for their furry friends in emergencies.

Canine Health Canada’s mission to educate and empower pet owners aligns with our goal to ensure that every pet parent feels confident and prepared to act swiftly in life-threatening situations. By offering these courses, we aim to increase awareness and competency in canine first aid, providing pet owners with the skills necessary to stabilize their pets until professional veterinary care can be reached. Our courses address a broad spectrum of scenarios, from everyday incidents to more severe emergencies, emphasizing the value of immediate, knowledgeable response.

CC: If you do know Canine CPR, what are the chances your dog will survive? How does this improve the chances of survival?

ZL: Knowing Canine CPR can dramatically increase a dog’s chances of survival in emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, or drowning. Canine Health Canada highlights that the timely and correct administration of CPR can increase survival rates by two to three times compared to situations where CPR is not administered. Here’s how CPR improves survival chances:

• Immediate Action: CPR provides immediate life support, which is crucial in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest. This immediate action helps preserve brain function by maintaining blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs.
• Oxygenation: Canine CPR involves rescue breaths, which help oxygenate the blood. This is essential in preventing tissue damage during respiratory failure.
• Circulation: Chest compressions are tailored to the dog’s size and breed, ensuring effective circulation of blood throughout the body. This helps sustain organ function and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
• Bridge to Veterinary Care: CPR serves as a critical bridge to professional care, buying precious time until a veterinarian can provide advanced treatment.

The skills taught in our courses, based on Canine Health Canada’s guidelines, include assessing the situation quickly, determining the appropriate CPR techniques based on the dog’s size and breed, and performing compressions and breaths effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures that pet owners are prepared to maximize their pets’ chances of survival during emergencies.

CC: Under what circumstances does a dog suffer from cardiac arrest?

ZL: Cardiac arrest in dogs can occur under various circumstances, each with distinct causes and preventive measures. Here are some common scenarios:

• Heart Disease: Conditions like cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and heartworm disease can predispose dogs to cardiac arrest. Chronic heart conditions often go undetected until they manifest as acute events, making regular veterinary check-ups crucial.
• Trauma: Severe physical injuries, such as those from car accidents or falls, can lead to cardiac arrest due to shock or direct damage to the heart.
• Toxin Exposure: Dogs are curious creatures, and ingestion of toxic substances like antifreeze, certain plants (e.g., lilies, oleander), or medications can result in cardiac complications.
• Respiratory Issues: Respiratory distress, often caused by choking, severe asthma, or smoke inhalation, can lead to insufficient oxygen levels, subsequently causing cardiac arrest.
• Heatstroke: Dogs are susceptible to overheating, especially during hot weather or strenuous exercise. Heatstroke can severely impact the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure.
• Severe Infection or Sepsis: Systemic infections that overwhelm the body’s immune response can result in septic shock, leading to cardiac complications and potential arrest.

Understanding these circumstances helps pet owners take preventive measures, such as keeping toxins out of reach, avoiding overexertion in hot weather, and maintaining regular health checks. Our course emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, teaching participants to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately.

CC: Are certain dog breeds susceptible to cardiac arrest?

Certain dog breeds are indeed more susceptible to heart conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest. Here are some breeds identified by Canine Health Canada as having a predisposition to heart problems:

• Doberman Pinschers: Prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition affecting the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood effectively.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Often affected by mitral valve disease, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. This breed requires regular cardiac evaluations.
• Boxers: Known for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a condition impacting the heart’s electrical system, leading to arrhythmias and potential arrest.
• Bulldogs and Pugs: As brachycephalic breeds, they are predisposed to respiratory issues that can strain the heart, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest.
• Golden Retrievers and Great Danes: Larger breeds that may be susceptible to DCM and other heart-related conditions, requiring vigilant monitoring and care.

Owners of these breeds should be particularly vigilant about their pet’s cardiovascular health. Regular veterinary check-ups, awareness of breed-specific risks, and understanding signs of distress are crucial for prevention and early intervention. Our courses provide tailored information to help pet parents recognize and manage these breed-specific risks.

CC: How do you know when a dog is in cardiac arrest? What signs should pet parents look out for?

ZL: Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest in dogs is critical for prompt intervention. According to Canine Health Canada, pet parents should be aware of the following symptoms:

• Unresponsiveness: A dog in cardiac arrest will not respond to its name or external stimuli, indicating a loss of consciousness. This is a key sign that immediate action is required.
• Absence of Breathing: Look for a lack of chest movement or sounds of breathing. In some cases, breathing may be agonal or labored, requiring quick identification and response.
• Lack of Pulse: Check for a heartbeat by feeling for a pulse in the femoral artery (located inside the hind leg) or listening to the chest. The absence of a pulse is a critical indicator of cardiac arrest.
• Pale or Blue Gums: This discoloration signifies poor oxygenation and reduced blood circulation, often accompanying cardiac arrest.
• Collapse: Collapse and the inability to stand or move are strong indicators of a cardiac event requiring immediate CPR.

Our course teaches participants how to assess these signs accurately and administer CPR effectively. The curriculum includes practical demonstrations and hands-on practice to ensure pet owners can confidently recognize and respond to cardiac arrest.

CC: Have you ever had to use Canine CPR to save a dog in arrest?

ZL: Yes, we have had firsthand experience using Canine CPR to save a dog in distress. One particularly memorable incident involved our own dog, Benny, who is blind. Benny accidentally fell into our swimming pool and was unable to find his way out due to his visual impairment. Acting quickly, I was able to pull him from the water and perform the necessary life-saving actions to revive him.

This personal experience was an eye opener to how critical of being prepared and knowing how to perform CPR in emergencies. Thanks to the skills and training we promote, I was able to act swiftly and effectively, ensuring Benny’s safety and well-being. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and the difference that immediate, informed action can make.

Our experience with Benny aligns with the teachings of Canine Health Canada, emphasizing the necessity for pet owners to be equipped with lifesaving skills. This personal story not only highlights the value of our training programs but also serves as an inspiration for other pet parents to be proactive in learning how to protect their pets in emergencies.

 CC: Why would you recommend that the average pet parent take a canine CPR class?

ZL: We strongly recommend that every pet parent take a canine CPR class for several compelling reasons:

• Preparedness: Emergencies can occur without warning, and being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do in a critical situation gives pet parents the confidence to act quickly and effectively, potentially saving their pet’s life.
• Life-Saving Skills: The skills taught in our course, including CPR and first aid, can be the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Canine Health Canada emphasizes the importance of these skills for all pet owners.
• Peace of Mind: Understanding how to handle emergencies reduces anxiety and stress for both you and your pet, creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone involved.
• Empowerment: Knowledge empowers pet parents to take proactive measures in safeguarding their pets’ well-being, enhancing their overall care and health management capabilities.
• Community Support: Joining a class connects you with a network of informed pet owners and professionals who share valuable experiences and support, as highlighted by Canine Health Canada’s community approach. This network provides additional resources and guidance, enriching the learning experience.

Our courses are designed to be engaging, informative, and practical, ensuring that every participant leaves with the skills and confidence needed to respond to emergencies effectively.

CC: What other skills, other than Canine CPR, will someone learn in your class?

ZL: In addition to mastering Canine CPR, our class offers a comprehensive suite of skills that ensure pet owners are well-prepared for a variety of emergency situations. Participants will gain the following knowledge and techniques:

1. Choking Relief Techniques: You will learn how to safely relieve airway obstructions, which is vital in preventing suffocation. We cover methods such as the Heimlich maneuver for dogs, tailored to different sizes and breeds.
2. Bleeding Control and Wound Management: We teach how to effectively manage cuts and wounds, emphasizing proper bandaging techniques and pressure application to control bleeding. This skill is crucial for minimizing infection risks and stabilizing injuries until veterinary care can be accessed.
3. Shock Management: Recognizing and responding to shock is a critical component of our training. You’ll learn to identify symptoms of shock, such as pale gums and rapid breathing, and administer appropriate first aid to stabilize the dog and prevent further complications.
4. Poisoning Response: Our course covers the steps to take if a dog ingests toxic substances, including immediate first aid measures and when to seek veterinary help. Participants will learn to recognize common toxins and symptoms of poisoning, equipping them to respond effectively.
5. Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment: We provide guidance on preventing heatstroke, which is essential during hot weather or strenuous activities. You’ll learn how to recognize early signs of overheating and take corrective action to protect your pet’s health.
6. Fracture and Injury Management: Basic first aid for injuries such as fractures or sprains is also covered, ensuring you can provide care and comfort until professional help is available. This includes immobilizing techniques and handling guidelines to prevent further injury.
7. Dog Safety and First Aid for Kids: For families, we offer specialized training that teaches children how to safely interact with pets and respond to emergencies. This component emphasizes safety, awareness, and responsible pet care for younger participants.

Our course, aligned with Canine Health Canada’s standards, emphasizes a hands-on approach with practical demonstrations, ensuring that pet owners leave with the confidence and skills necessary to handle a wide range of emergencies effectively.

CC: What should you do after you administer Canine CPR? What are the follow-up steps?

ZL: After performing Canine CPR, it is essential to follow specific steps to ensure your dog’s safety and recovery:

1. Seek Immediate Veterinary Care: Even if your dog appears to have recovered, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough examination. This step is critical to rule out any underlying issues that may not be immediately visible and to provide professional treatment.
2. Continue Monitoring Vital Signs: During transportation to the vet, keep monitoring your dog’s vital signs, including breathing rate, pulse, and responsiveness. This continuous monitoring helps detect any sudden changes in your dog’s condition and guides any necessary adjustments in care.
3. Keep Your Dog Warm and Comfortable: Wrap your dog in a blanket or towel to maintain body temperature and prevent shock. Keeping your pet warm supports blood circulation and reduces stress, which is important for recovery after cardiac events.
4. Minimize Stress and Excitement: Create a calm environment by keeping noise and movement to a minimum. Speak softly and reassure your pet, as a calm atmosphere helps reduce anxiety and facilitates the healing process.
5. Follow Veterinary Recommendations: After your vet has assessed your dog, adhere to any prescribed treatments, medications, or follow-up appointments. The veterinarian may recommend additional tests or monitoring to ensure complete recovery and address any complications.
6. Observe for Any Recurring Symptoms: Watch for any signs of distress or recurrence of symptoms once your dog is home, such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, or unusual behavior. Early detection of issues can lead to quicker intervention and improved outcomes.
7. Maintain a First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit at home and when traveling with your dog. This preparation allows for immediate action in future emergencies, providing essential supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and an emergency contact list for your veterinarian.

By following these steps, you help ensure your dog receives comprehensive care after a critical event, increasing the likelihood of a full and healthy recovery. Our training, guided by Canine Health Canada’s protocols, emphasizes the importance of post-CPR care and empowers pet owners to confidently manage their pet’s recovery process.