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seriousPet • Breathing Pet first aid

Pet AED & defibrillation

Public AEDs are designed for humans, but in a true cardiac arrest with no other option, the right placement can still help. Pet CPR is your primary tool.
Serious — call ASPCA Poison Control or your vet

What to do now

  1. 1.Begin pet CPR immediately
  2. 2.Call your emergency vet — have someone go ahead
  3. 3.If using a human AED, shave/wet fur for contact
  4. 4.Pads: left side behind front leg + opposite side
  5. 5.Stand clear during analysis and shock
  6. 6.Resume pet CPR right after
Steps

5 steps

  1. 1

    Confirm cardiac arrest

    No breathing, no heartbeat behind the left front leg. Begin pet CPR immediately while someone fetches help.

  2. 2

    Call your emergency vet

    Have someone call ahead. Veterinary clinics may have a vet-specific defibrillator; some emergency services carry them.

  3. 3

    If only a human AED is available

    Shave or wet the chest fur to improve contact. Place one pad on the left side of the chest behind the front leg, the other on the right side mirroring it (front-to-back for deep-chested dogs).

  4. 4

    Stand clear and follow voice prompts

    Modern AEDs analyze the rhythm. They will not shock unless a shockable rhythm is detected. Loudly say 'Clear!' before any shock.

    Important: Human AEDs are not validated for pets and can fail to detect a shockable rhythm. Continuous high-quality CPR is more reliable than waiting on an AED.
  5. 5

    Resume pet CPR immediately

    30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. Continue until the pet breathes on their own or you reach the vet.

Kit

What you'll need

  • Pet CPR knowledge
  • Razor or wet cloth
  • Phone with 24-hour vet
Related

Pet • Breathing

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.