If a dog or cat begins to go into cardiac arrest and you are trained, what is the recommended action?

• A. Wait and see if life signs return.
• B. Call for help and wait for professionals.
• C. Begin CPR, call for help, and switch rescuers if possible, following current guidelines.
• D. Give mouth-to-mouth only.

Answer: (C)

When a dog or cat stops circulating effectively, starting resuscitation right away is essential to keep blood flowing to the brain and vital organs while help is on the way. The best action is to begin CPR now, call for help, and have a second trained person switch rescuers as needed to maintain high-quality compressions, following current guidelines. This approach maximizes the animal’s chances of revival by delivering blood and oxygen during the critical minutes, while professional help arrives and specialized equipment can be used. Waiting to see if life signs return is risky, and relying on mouth-to-mouth alone does not provide the ongoing chest compressions needed.