CPR stands for “cardiopulmonary resuscitation.” This procedure is used when the dog is not breathing and her heart has stopped beating. Don't rush to do CPR without firstconfirming that the heart really has stopped and the dog really isn't breathing. Performing CPR on a dog that doesn't need it can inflict further injury.

You should know beforehand how to check your dog's pulse. The easiest location is inside the dog's hind leg, near where it joins the body. The femoral artery is located there. Get used to finding it and feeling the pulse there so that you'll be practiced at it if you ever need to check the pulse in an emergency.

Also get used to checking your dog's breathing. You can watch for her side to rise and fall, but it can be a subtle motion if the dog is unconscious. Have a mirror handy to hold in front of the nose and mouth — watch it for fogging when the dog exhales.

Rescue Breathing

If you determine that your Yorkie isn't breathing, first open her mouth, pull her tongue forward, and use your first two fingers to feel for any foreign objects in the mouth or throat. Clear any mucus or vomit. Wrap your hand around her muzzle to make an air seal, place your mouth against your hand, and blow into her nose. You should see the chest rise, then fall. If you don't see the chest rise, blow harder. It can help to have your Yorkie lying on her right side on an elevated flat surface. Continue rescue breathing until the dog starts breathing on her own or until the heart starts beating.

Chest Compressions

If your dog's heart isn't beating, place her on a flat surface on her right side. Put the heel of your dominant hand over the widest part of the rib cage. Put the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand, lace your fingers together and pull them back, so only the heel of your hand is on the dog. Keep your elbows straight and press down firmly, then release. Try to do this rhythmically, at a rate of about eighty compressions per minute.

There is great potential for injuring your Yorkie when performing chest compressions. First, be sure it's necessary. Then, use only as much force as necessary. Some CPR training events include dog models on which to practice, though they're usually larger dogs. See if one of these seminars might be offered in your area. If not, then as long as you're sure your Yorkie's heart isn't beating, your intervention is her only chance, and any injuries can be dealt with later if you succeed in reviving your dog. Ten minutes of chest compression should be enough to either restart the heart or let you know it's too late.

Putting Them Together

CPR is simply a combination of rescue breathing and chest compression. If you are by yourself, this is exhausting work, as you should do five chest compressions and then one rescue breath, and shifting between positions is difficult. If two people are present, one should do five chest compressions then pause while the other person does one rescue breath.

Stop every minute to check for a pulse and a breath, or you won't know if your Yorkie's heart has started beating on its own or breathing has resumed. If you continue doing CPR after the dog has been revived, you could cause further problems.