To give CPR to a dog, you should first check for response and breathing, and if they are unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR immediately. If the dog’s airway is clear, they aren’t breathing, and if the colour of their gums isn’t a healthy pink but has a blueish tinge instead, this indicates the circulation is not functioning normally and immediate CPR is needed. Firstly, turn the dog onto its right-hand side. Start by delivering chest compressions, deliver 30 chest compressions at a rate of 120bpm, then 2 breaths, then immediately another round of 30 chest compressions. Push hard and fast for 30 compressions, follow by 2 breaths. Chest compressions should normally be done with the animal lying on their side, aim to compress the chest to 25% of the depth of the chest, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Continue the compressions and rescue breaths until you can hear the heartbeat and feel or hear regular breathing. If you feel there is personal risk involved in giving rescue breaths, just do chest compressions. Giving compressions can be tiring, especially in larger dogs, if it is possible, swap with someone else, if you do swap, do so during rescue breaths as there shouldn’t be any pause in chest compressions.