How To Help A Choking Dog

How to Help a Choking Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dog Owners. Seeing your dog in distress can be terrifying, especially if she is choking. Choking occurs when an object blocks your dog’s airway, making it difficult or impossible for her to breathe. This situation requires immediate action. Understanding how to recognize the signs of choking, and knowing what steps to take, can save your dog’s life.

Recognizing the Signs of Choking in Dogs

A choking dog may exhibit several warning signs, including:

• Difficulty breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, or complete inability to draw breath.
• Coughing or gagging: Persistent attempts to expel the obstruction.
• Pawing at the mouth: Dogs may instinctively try to remove the object with their paws.
• Blue or pale gums: A sign of oxygen deprivation.
• Panic or distress: Restlessness, anxiety, or collapse in severe cases.

Quickly assessing your dog’s condition can help you determine whether they are choking or experiencing another medical emergency.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Dog Is Choking

Step 1: Remain Calm

Dogs are highly perceptive and can sense your emotions. Staying calm will help you make rational decisions and avoid escalating the situation.

Step 2: Safely Inspect the Mouth

Carefully check your dog’s mouth for visible obstructions. Open their mouth by gently holding their upper jaw with one hand while pressing down on the lower jaw with the other. Use a flashlight if possible to get a clear view.

If you see an object, attempt to remove it, but proceed with caution. Use your fingers or tweezers to grasp the object, being careful not to push it further into the throat.

Note: If your dog is panicking or resisting, secure their safety first to prevent accidental bites or injury to yourself.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a Dog

If the object cannot be reached or removed by hand, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver. The technique varies depending on the size of the dog.

For Small Dogs

Hold your dog securely: Place your dog on their back, cradling them with one arm.

Apply pressure: Using the palm of your hand, apply firm, quick compressions below the ribcage, just above the stomach. Repeat up to five times.

Reassess: Check the mouth again for dislodged objects and remove them if visible.

For Large Dogs

Position the dog: Stand behind your dog while they are standing or kneeling. Wrap your arms around their belly.

Find the soft spot: Locate the area just below the ribcage.

Apply thrusts: Use your fist to give quick, upward abdominal thrusts. Repeat up to five times.

Reassess: Check the mouth for expelled objects.

If the dog is unconscious, skip to the CPR section below.

“If your dog gets to a point where they’re not moving air, they’re not making noise, and you can see they’re getting lethargic, now we have to intervene.” – Tom Rinelli, Certified Emergency Medical Care Provider

When to Perform Dog CPR

If the dog has lost consciousness and is not breathing, you may need to perform pet CPR.

Lay the dog on their side: Ensure a flat surface.

Clear the airway: Open the mouth and check again for obstructions. Remove anything visible.

Perform rescue breaths: Close the dog’s mouth and gently extend their neck. Create a seal with your mouth over their nose and blow air into their nostrils. Deliver one breath every three to five seconds.

Perform chest compressions: For large dogs, press on the widest part of the ribcage. For small dogs, use your thumb and fingers to compress the chest. Deliver compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.

Alternate compressions and breaths: After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

Continue until the dog resumes breathing or professional help arrives.

“If your dog’s gums have a purple or blue tint, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately.” – Melissa Boldan, DVM

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Even if you successfully remove the obstruction, your dog may still need medical attention. Choking can cause trauma to the throat or lungs, leading to complications. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately for a follow-up examination.

Other Pet Care Professionals Who Can Help Prevent Future Incidents:

 

Canine Nutritionists

Animal Behaviorists

Preventing Choking in Dogs

Choose Safe Toys and Chews

Opt for size-appropriate toys and chews that cannot be swallowed whole. Avoid toys with small, detachable parts or brittle chews that can splinter.

Supervise Meal Times

Encourage your dog to eat slowly, as gulping food increases the risk of choking. Slow-feed bowls or food puzzles can help reduce the risk.

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach

Household items such as socks, bones, or small objects can pose a choking hazard. Keep these items in secured locations.

Educate Yourself

Knowing canine first aid techniques like the Heimlich maneuver and CPR ensures you are prepared for emergencies.

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How To Help A Choking Dog – Additional Resources

If you want to further prepare for emergencies, consider these options:

• Canine First Aid Classes: Hands-on training in lifesaving techniques.
• Emergency Kits: Include items like tweezers, flashlights, and medical gloves.
• Veterinarian Advice: Ask your vet for guidance on preventing choking risks specific to your dog’s breed or habits.

Helping a choking dog is a high-stress situation, but quick action and proper techniques can make all the difference. Recognize the signs of choking, act swiftly to remove obstructions, and seek veterinary care to ensure your dog’s safety and recovery. With preparation and awareness, you can respond confidently to emergencies and protect your furry companion from harm.

About PetWorks

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform PetWorks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped PetWorks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined PetWorks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps PetWorks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.