What to Do If Your Dog Is Unconscious

An Unconscious Dog Is Always an Emergency

Call the emergency vet immediately and begin first aid at the same time. Do not wait to see if your dog wakes up on their own.

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

Call your dog's name loudly and tap their shoulder firmly. No response = unconscious. Note the time.

Step 2: Check the Airway

Gently tilt the head back and open the mouth. Look for any visible obstruction (food, foreign object, vomit). Remove any obstruction if safely accessible. Pull the tongue forward to ensure the airway is clear.

Step 3: Check for Breathing

Watch for chest movement. Place your cheek near the nose and feel for breath. Listen for breathing sounds.

• Breathing present: place in recovery position (on their side, head slightly lower than body) and go to the vet immediately
• Not breathing: give 2 rescue breaths and check for pulse

Step 4: Check for Pulse

Feel the femoral artery on the inner thigh, or press your hand against the left chest just behind the elbow.

• Pulse present but not breathing: give rescue breaths at 1 breath every 3 seconds
• No pulse and not breathing: begin CPR immediately

See our guide on how to do CPR on a dog for full technique.

Step 5: Transport to Emergency Vet

Keep your dog on their side with the head slightly lower than the body. Minimize movement, especially of the spine. Use a stretcher or rigid board for large dogs.

🚑 Recommended: Heavy Duty 264LBS Large Dog Stretcher — Foldable pet transport stretcher. For injured and senior dogs. 45x22 inches.

🧰 Recommended: EVERLIT Pet Medic First Aid Kit (95 Pcs) — Vet-approved emergency kit. Keep one at home and one in the car.

Common Causes of Unconsciousness in Dogs

• Cardiac arrest
• Severe trauma (hit by car, fall)
• Toxin ingestion
• Severe hypoglycemia
• Heatstroke
• Severe seizure (post-ictal)
• Anaphylaxis
• Drowning