Pets Can Experience Cardiac Arrest at Any Time
Veterinarians need to be prepared if cardiac arrest does occur, and for pet owners, having a functional knowledge of starting CPR can be very helpful.
Because a dog or cat may experience cardiac arrest at home, says John D. Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC, medical director of emergency and critical care at VRC Specialty Hospital in Malvern, Pennsylvania, both the pet owner and veterinarian need to be ready at all times.
Dr. Anastasio says once his veterinary team hospitalizes a veterinary patient, they get a yes or no do not resuscitate status, which may be off-putting to pet owners. But you never know when cardiac arrest is going to occur. Veterinarians need to be prepared if it does occur, and for pet owners, having a functional knowledge of starting CPR can be very helpful.
