The RECOVER Guidelines

Understanding The RECOVER Guidelines

The RECOVER Guidelines, also known as the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation, provide a clear and internationally recognised framework for performing CPR on dogs and cats. Because cardiac emergencies in animals happen quickly and often without warning, pet owners need a reliable system to follow. Therefore, learning these guidelines becomes essential for anyone who wants to respond confidently and effectively during a crisis. Moreover, by understanding The RECOVER Guidelines from the very beginning, you can act faster and support your pet’s chance of survival before veterinary care becomes available.

Why The RECOVER Guidelines Matter

The guidelines were developed by hundreds of veterinary experts who reviewed the most current scientific evidence on what truly works during cardiac arrest. Rather than relying on guesswork, the RECOVER team built a structured, evidence-based method that helps rescuers make quick, accurate decisions. As a result, pet owners, groomers, kennel staff, and animal professionals can all follow a unified approach when an animal stops breathing or collapses.

Furthermore, because cardiac arrest progresses rapidly, a simple and easy-to-follow framework ensures that rescuers stay focused. The guidelines remove uncertainty and allow you to prioritise the life-saving steps that matter most.

What The RECOVER Guidelines Teach

The guidance covers several essential areas, including:

• Recognising cardiac arrest: understanding when breathing or heart function has stopped.
• Performing chest compressions: learning the correct depth, rate, and technique for both dogs and cats.
• Delivering rescue breaths: supporting oxygen flow when the animal is not breathing on its own.
• Reassessing frequently: evaluating progress and adjusting your approach at regular intervals.

Additionally, these steps guide rescuers through the entire CPR process so no crucial stage gets overlooked.

How Following the Guidelines Improves Survival

By using this structured approach, you give every pet a stronger chance of surviving until veterinary care becomes available. Instead of losing time deciding what to do, you follow a proven sequence of actions that supports blood flow and oxygen delivery. Furthermore, this approach keeps rescuers calm, confident, and coordinated during high-stress situations.

Veterinary practices worldwide rely on these same guidelines, which shows just how effective they are. Likewise, ProTrainings includes the RECOVER method in its Pet First Aid training so that pet owners and professionals can perform CPR safely and consistently.

Ultimately, understanding and applying The RECOVER Guidelines empowers you to act quickly, make informed decisions, and provide the best possible care in an emergency. With the right knowledge, you can truly make a life-saving difference for your pet.