Tap firmly and call their name. Watch the chest for rise and fall for 10 seconds. Check for a heartbeat behind the left front leg, where it meets the chest.
Lay them on their right side. Pull the tongue forward gently. Look in the mouth for any obstruction and remove it carefully if visible.
Close the mouth gently with your hand. Cover the nose with your mouth (or both nose and mouth for very small pets). Blow steadily until you see the chest rise. Repeat once.
Cats and small dogs (<30 lb): one hand wrapped around the chest, squeeze sides at the heart. Medium/large dogs: both hands stacked on the widest part of the chest, push 1/3 to 1/2 chest depth, 100–120 per minute (to the beat of 'Stayin' Alive').
After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Continue until the pet breathes on their own, you reach a vet, or you cannot physically continue.
Have someone call ahead so the vet is ready. Continue CPR in the car if possible.
Your pet is scared and so are you — that's natural. Move steadily. Most pet choking is resolved in seconds when you can see and reach the object.
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.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.