10 July 2017
Celebrity dog owner Jodie Marsh has posted a video of her giving CPR to her bulldog Louie after he collapsed. The video has been viewed on Facebook over 4 million times.
In the Facebook post and subsequent comments Jodie explains that her 12-year-old rescue bulldog collapses every couple of months. She highlights the dangers of walking flat-faced dogs in hot weather and the choking hazards that eating can present for dogs with an abnormal soft palate.
Commenting, BVA President Gudrun Ravetz, said:
“This is a very distressing video that demonstrates just how serious BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) is as a condition for those dogs living with it.
“No dog should have to endure the distress of regularly collapsing, though sadly this is a reality for many flat-faced dogs. We would strongly advise anyone with a pet suffering these symptoms to talk to their vet urgently to agree the best way to ensure the health and welfare of their pet. This may include opting for surgery and will definitely include taking special measures in hot weather.
“BVA has been highlighting the significant health problems suffered by flat-faced dogs, such as bulldogs, and asking potential owners to choose healthier breeds or crossbreeds.”
Ms Ravetz also commented on the use of CPR on dogs. She said:
“In emergencies an owner can give CPR until veterinary care is available. This mouth-to-nose resuscitation should only be used if the dog has stopped breathing and has no pulse. You can use your fingers to feel for a pulse at the top of the inside back leg. We would advise owners to take veterinary advice, or attend a veterinary-led course, to learn how to deliver CPR in the safest way.”
ABC resuscitation method
BVA is highlighting the ABC resuscitation method for dogs until you receive veterinary assistance:
Airway:
- Pull the tongue forward.
- Check there is nothing in the throat.
Breathing
- Look and listen.
- If the dog is not breathing, extend the dog's neck, close the mouth and blow down the dog's nose, using your hand as a 'funnel' so that you do not directly contact your dog's nose.
Circulation
- If you are sure there is no heartbeat, compress at 2 x per second, vigorously enough to achieve obvious chest compression.
- Check the heartbeat/pulse.
We would advise owners to take veterinary advice, or attend a veterinary-led first aid course, to learn how to deliver CPR in the safest way.
