5 Emergency Techniques That Can Save Your Dog's Life

A video went viral recently showing a Romanian firefighter giving mouth-to-mouth to a dog after he experienced smoke inhalation. This brave act of first aid saved the dog's life. But what do you do when your own pet is struggling to breath?There are a few emergency response techniques from the French organization, 30 Million d'Amis, that every pet owner should know. With these five tips in mind, your dog will be a little bit safer.Make sure to call for professional help as well. These techniques are best used as an intermediary solution.

1. First check for a pulse

If necessary, move your dog gently to a flat surface where you can lay him down. Next, you can check his pulse by feeling for the large artery that runs along his inner thigh. There will be a distinct heartbeat at the front of the inner thigh.

^{Source: 30 Millions d'Amis}

2. Use a makeshift muzzle to avoid bites

Even the sweetest and gentlest of dogs can lash out when in extreme pain, so it's best to avoid needing emergency care yourself by creating a makeshift muzzle. Tie a rope or fabric around his mouth, tight enough to remove the risk of bites, but loose enough not to hurt him.

^{Source: 30 Millions d'Amis}

3. Raise his hind legs if choking

This technique is for larger dogs. If your dog is choking on an object, one of the quickest ways to dislodge it is to raise his hind legs in the air and to gently shakeup and down. The goal, obviously, is not to hurt the animal, but it is important to remove the blockage as quickly as possible.

4. Modified Heimlich maneuver

For smaller dogs, the best way to remove the object is to wrap your arms around his torso and place your hands just below his thorax, then pushfirmly in and up.

^{Source: 30 Millions d'Amis}

5. CPR

If your dog has stopped breathing, first call emergency services, but you may need to perform CPR yourself to give your pooch the best chance possible. Lay your dog on his side and start pressing down on his heart in a rhythmic pattern for five counts. Next, close his mouth and breathe into his nose. Repeat until help arrives.(The dog in the video below is a dummy.)

These tips could be the difference between life and death for your furry friend, so make sure to read them carefully and watch the video below (although it is in French) to properly visualize the techniques:

Les gestes de premiers secours pour un chienRécemment, un pompier roumain a sauvé un chien par du bouche-à-bouche. Et vous, connaissez-vous les gestes d'urgence ?Posted by 30 Millions d'Amis (Officiel) on Wednesday, December 14, 2016

^{H/t: 30 Millions d'Amis}