If you ask any dog owner how far they would go to help their furry companion, they’d probably tell you that they’d do anything. But in the case of a medical emergency, how many dog owners actually know what to do?
After learning about the process of dog CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), this pet owner shared her newfound knowledge with the world in a now-viral TikTok video. Maddie, who doesn’t wish to disclose her full name, demonstrated the process of doing chest compressions and rescue breaths on an unresponsive dog, with the help of her faithful miniature American shepherd, Cassie.
“The TikTok was a summary of various dog CPR videos I watched and made for memory, following an ACLS (advanced cardiovascular life support) class I attended that day,” Maddie told Newsweek. “I followed a technique for medium-sized dogs and made a follow-up video on the various sizes and choking interventions as well.
“I am aware of the panic and low survival chances, but I would want to do anything in my power if the scenario ever happened.”
@cassie_miniaussie / TikTok
Since Maddie posted the video on Cassie’s dedicated TikTok account (@cassie_miniaussie) on October 12, it has already been viewed more than 3.4 million times and received over 421,000 likes.
Following the response to the TikTok video, Newsweek spoke to Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster, who explained that CPR is most commonly required when dogs show signs of choking, drowning, or electrocution.
She provided the following step-by-step instructions for carrying out CPR on a dog:
1. Make sure the scene is safe
2. Put your dog on their side on a firm, flat surface (barrel-chested dogs on their backs)
3. Open the airway
4. Check for breathing
5. Give 3-5 rescue breaths
6. Watch to see if breaths go in
7. Check for breathing and try to feel the heartbeat for ten full seconds
8. If there is still a heartbeat but breathing is faint or non-existent, continue rescue breathing
9. If there is no heartbeat, begin chest compressions
10. Continue chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute
11. Give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions
12. Continue until the dog wakes up, you get to advanced help, or you become too tired
13. Get your dog to the vet.
While it might be a scary prospect for any owner, Dr. Myers encourages people to “still try CPR even if you’re afraid you might do something wrong.” In any case, CPR should be conducted until the dog starts breathing again and has a heartbeat, or until you can get medical attention.
“The intent of CPR is to push air into the lungs and compress the heart, so blood is pushed through the circulatory system,” Dr. Myers told Newsweek. “Compressions are more important than breaths, so if you cannot do both, focus on providing high-quality chest compressions.
“If breaths don’t go in and make the chest rise, try repositioning the head, pulling out the tongue, and looking again for any type of foreign body. Do this quickly so you can get back to compressions.”
Importantly, Dr. Myers highlighted that owners shouldn’t blame themselves if ultimately the CPR doesn’t work, as she notes that it’s only in rare circumstances that it will work. In fact, data from the American Veterinary Medical Association states that less than six percent of dogs and cats who undergo CPR will survive through being discharged by the vet.
How Did Social Media Respond?
Although Maddie admits she was “surprised by the various techniques” required, the healthcare professional told Newsweek that she would feel comfortable resuscitating her dog if that was ever required.
She now encourages fellow owners to “further their education on their personal dog safety and care,” because you never know when you might be forced to save them.
Maddie continued: “None of my other posts have ever gotten above 800 views before, so I was very shocked that so many people watched this video. Overall, I believe it was a good response and the comments were positive, lots of people seemed fascinated that dog CPR was a real thing.”
Since going viral, the video has amassed over 1,400 comments from intrigued and shocked social media users, while many also praised Cassie’s incredible acting skills.
One comment reads: “Your dog is such a good little actor, and this was very clear and useful info. Thank you so much!”
Another person responded: “Thank you for this video. This is needed information, and also your patient was perfect. Well done to both of y’all.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.