Emergency First Aid for Dog Heart Attack: Quick Steps

Section 1: How to Perform First Aid on Dogs Suffering from a Heart Attack

It's quite common for dogs to develop heart conditions, with statistics showing that around 10% of canines are affected by heart disease. This means that in every ten dogs, one may be battling with heart issues, and this risk increases significantly in older dogs. The severity of the condition is compounded by the fact that it can be fatal and may occur suddenly at any time. Therefore, it's crucial for pet owners to be equipped with emergency care knowledge for canine heart attacks. Here's what you can do:

For dogs with known heart conditions, it's advisable to have oxygen readily available at home. Additionally, keep some quickacting heartsaving medications on hand, such as enalapril maleate tablets. In case of a complication, the dog should be rushed to the hospital immediately or an ambulance should be called.

In the event that a dog collapses due to a heart attack, medication cannot be administered. However, it's essential to continue providing oxygen. If you don't have an oxygen supply, perform mouthtonose artificial respiration on the dog. Be aware that the technique for dogs is different from that for humans; for dogs, it involves blowing into the nose. The correct steps are to pull the dog's tongue out of the mouth, close its mouth, and blow into its nose every 5 seconds. Most hospitals have ventilators upon arrival, which means you won't need to continue with artificial respiration.

Performing CPR on the dog. Generally, most dogs are placed on their side for CPR, except for bulldogs, which are positioned on their backs. For large dogs, the pressure point is near the back, while for small dogs and cats, it's the space between the ribs, 3 to 6 ribs deep. For bulldogs, the pressure is applied to the sternum. The compression rate is between 1 to 2 compressions per second or 2 to 3 compressions per second, and it's best to alternate between individuals every two minutes to maintain the rhythm.

Combining artificial respiration with CPR. Perform 30 compressions for every 2 breaths, repeating this sequence continuously. In hospitals, CPR and artificial respiration are performed simultaneously. It's important to note that CPR alone can lead to pulmonary edema and insufficient oxygen supply, so both are crucial.

Prevention is better than cure. Good care can often prevent sudden heart attacks in dogs. The most effective treatment for heart disease remains medication, such as enalapril maleate tablets mentioned earlier. Each dog's situation is unique, and the appropriate treatment may vary. Some dogs may respond well to traditional Chinese medicine.

Dr. OxygenPet reminds you: Heart disease isn't as daunting in dogs as it might seem. With proper care, it can be wellmanaged, allowing your furry friend to continue living a happy and joyful life by your side. However, be prepared, as the onset of this disease can be unpredictable at any time.