Viral TikTok Video Shows Advice for Performing CPR on Dog

A viral TikTok video offers advice on what to do if a dog becomes unresponsive. Although many people know how to perform CPR on humans, fewer know what to do if a beloved animal companion suffers a medical emergency. However, a video shared to the TikTok account @cassie_miniaussie aims to change this. 

@cassie_miniaussie

ACLS class inspired video over dog CPR. Cassie was a paid actor💕 #dogcpr #dogeducation #nurselife #cutedogs

♬ Baby Shark – Pinkfong

In the video, a miniature Australian Shepherd named Cassie pretends to be unresponsive on the kitchen floor. Her human walks in and demonstrates the steps for performing CPR. The video was inspired by an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support class that the poster had attended. The video is intended to show how CPR should be performed on medium-sized dogs. Other videos on the channel demonstrate the different steps for performing CPR on dogs of other sizes. According to the video, the steps to perform CPR on a medium-sized canine are: 

1. Check if the dog is breathing by feeling their throat and nose.
2. Locate their pulse underneath the left elbow, roughly where their heart is.
3. Check to make sure that the dog’s airway is not blocked by a foreign object.
4. Begin CPR by interlocking the hands one over top of the other.
5. Place hands over the area where the pulse was found.
6. Begin compressions. The video advises using the beat of the popular song “Baby Shark” to time the compressions.
7. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Ensure that the dog’s mouth is closed completely and breathe over the nose. 
8. Repeat until veterinary assistance can be obtained, or until the dog begins to breathe on their own again.

Although people need to know how to perform canine CPR, veterinarians warn that CPR is only effective in rare instances. Indeed, the American Veterinary Medical Association has compiled data that shows only around six percent of dogs and cats who receive CPR ultimately survive. 

Although the video went viral for its important content, racking up over 422,000 likes, many comments noted how impressive Cassie’s acting skills were. “She is such a good little actress!! She looks so happy with her performance,” wrote Parker Roberts. Kettu J agreed, saying “Your dog is such a good little actor,” before continuing, “and this was very clear and useful info, thank you so much!”

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