Recovery Position & CPR

Use the recovery position for a dog that is breathing but unconscious or semi-conscious — for example after a seizure or collapse. Gently roll them onto their right-hand side, supporting the head and neck. Extend the neck into a natural straight line, pull the tongue forward slightly, and let the mouth face downward so fluids can drain. Keep the body level — don’t raise the rear end routinely.

Every 1–2 minutes, check breathing, gum colour, capillary refill and the femoral pulse. If breathing stops, begin CPR immediately. Don’t use the recovery position if your dog is not breathing, or if you suspect a spinal injury — minimise movement and stabilise instead. Even if your dog seems to recover, a vet check is essential: unconsciousness is never “normal”.

CPR is only for a dog that is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. Check responsiveness (call their name, gentle tap). Look for chest movement for 10 seconds. Check the femoral pulse for up to 10 seconds. If you are unsure, begin CPR immediately. Lay your dog on their right side on a firm surface.

Compress at 100–120 per minute, to one-third of the chest depth, allowing full recoil. Most breeds: hands over the widest part of the chest. Deep-chested breeds: over the heart, behind the elbow. Barrel-chested breeds: over the sternum. After every 30 compressions give 2 breaths: close the mouth firmly, seal over the nostrils and breathe for 1 second until the chest rises. Keep interruptions under 5 seconds.

After 2 minutes, reassess pulse and breathing for no longer than 10 seconds; if there’s no pulse, resume immediately. Continue until the pulse returns, breathing resumes, or the veterinary team takes over. If the pulse returns but breathing doesn’t, give rescue breaths every 5–6 seconds. Immediate vet care is needed even if CPR works.