How should you perform compressions on flat-chested dogs?

• A. Compress along the spine
• B. Roll them on their back and compress the center of the chest
• C. Roll them on their side and compress the outer ribs
• D. Compress only with the head raised

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is to pump blood by squeezing the chest so the heart is compressed effectively. For flat-chested dogs, roll the dog onto its side and press the chest wall over the widest part of the chest, which corresponds to the area near the ribs. This side-lying position gives access to the chest wall so you can compress the heart between the sternum and the spine. Press the chest wall firmly and evenly, not along the spine, and avoid keeping the dog on its back or changing head position as a substitute for proper chest compressions. The goal is continuous, steady compressions that compress the heart through the chest wall.