Pete the Vet: How does CPR work for pets?

What should you do if your pet suddenly collapses?

Can you successfully perform CPR on a pet?

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been trending on the internet since the shocking scenes in the Denmark/Finland Euro 2020 match last week, when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed. In full view of global live television, CPR was carried out. This prompt and effective action saved his life. Now everyone is talking about CPR. I’ve even had owners asking me if they should know how to use this on their pets. So what’s the truth? Should this be a standard pet owner skill?

First, some background on what CPR really means. Essentially, it’s the physical treatment that’s given in an attempt to save the life of a person or animal who has suffered cardiopulmonary arrest (in other words, their heart has stopped beating and they have stopped breathing). The aim of CPR is to provide physical compression of the chest, along with ventilation of the lungs, to restart the heart, and stimulate sufficient blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. The idea is to keep the patient alive until more advanced medical therapy can be given.