Lay the dog on a flat surface with his right side down. Open his mouth and pull his tongue forward as far as you can. Clear any secretions with a cloth or handkerchief. Check for a foreign body. If present, remove it if possible. If it is impossible to dislodge, perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
For puppies and small dogs under 30 pounds (13.6 kg)
- Pull the tongue forward so it is even with the canine teeth. Close the dog’s mouth.
- Place your mouth over the dog’s nose. Blow gently into the dog’s nostrils. The chest will expand.
- Release your mouth to let the air return. Excess air will escape through the dog’s lips, preventing overinflation of the lungs and overdistension of the stomach.
- If the chest does not rise and fall, blow more forcefully or seal the lips.
- Continue at a rate of 20 to 30 breaths per minute (one breath every two to three seconds).
- Continue until the dog breathes on his own, or as long as the heart beats.
For medium and large dogs
- Proceed as for small dogs, but seal the lips by placing a hand around the dog’s muzzle to prevent the escape of air.
- If the chest does not rise and fall, blow more forcefully.
- The breathing rate is 20 breaths per minute (one breath every three seconds).