A choking dog may exhibit several warning signs, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Difficulty breathing<\/strong>: Rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, or complete inability to draw breath.<\/li>\n
- Coughing or gagging<\/strong>: Persistent attempts to expel the obstruction.<\/li>\n
- Pawing at the mouth<\/strong>: Dogs may instinctively try to remove the object with their paws.<\/li>\n
- Blue or pale gums<\/strong>: A sign of oxygen deprivation.<\/li>\n
- Panic or distress<\/strong>: Restlessness, anxiety, or collapse in severe cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Quickly assessing your dog\u2019s condition can help you determine whether they are choking or experiencing another medical emergency.<\/p>\n
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Dog Is Choking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 1: Remain Calm<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Dogs are highly perceptive and can sense your emotions. Staying calm will help you make rational decisions and avoid escalating the situation.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Safely Inspect the Mouth<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Carefully check your dog\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Note<\/strong>: If your dog is panicking or resisting, secure their safety first to prevent accidental bites or injury to yourself.<\/p>\n
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If the object cannot be reached or removed by hand, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver<\/a><\/span>. The technique varies depending on the size of the dog.<\/p>\n
For Small Dogs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Hold your dog securely<\/strong>: Place your dog on their back, cradling them with one arm.<\/p>\n
Apply pressure<\/strong>: Using the palm of your hand, apply firm, quick compressions below the ribcage, just above the stomach. Repeat up to five times.<\/p>\n
Reassess<\/strong>: Check the mouth again for dislodged objects and remove them if visible.<\/p>\n
For Large Dogs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Position the dog<\/strong>: Stand behind your dog while they are standing or kneeling. Wrap your arms around their belly.<\/p>\n
Find the soft spot<\/strong>: Locate the area just below the ribcage.<\/p>\n
Apply thrusts<\/strong>: Use your fist to give quick, upward abdominal thrusts. Repeat up to five times.<\/p>\n
Reassess<\/strong>: Check the mouth for expelled objects.<\/p>\n
If the dog is unconscious, skip to the CPR section below.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIf your dog gets to a point where they\u2019re not moving air, they\u2019re not making noise, and you can see they\u2019re getting lethargic, now we have to intervene.\u201d – Tom Rinelli<\/a><\/span>, Certified Emergency Medical Care Provider<\/p>\nWhen to Perform Dog CPR<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If the dog has lost consciousness and is not breathing, you may need to perform pet CPR<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n
Lay the dog on their side<\/strong>: Ensure a flat surface.<\/p>\n
Clear the airway<\/strong>: Open the mouth and check again for obstructions. Remove anything visible.<\/p>\n
Perform rescue breaths<\/strong>: Close the dog\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Perform chest compressions<\/strong>: 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\u2013120 per minute.<\/p>\n
Alternate compressions and breaths<\/strong>: After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.<\/p>\n
Continue until the dog resumes breathing or professional help arrives.<\/p>\n
“If your dog\u2019s gums have a purple or blue tint, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately.” – Melissa Boldan, DVM<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhen to Contact a Veterinarian<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Other Pet Care Professionals Who Can Help Prevent Future Incidents:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
- Coughing or gagging<\/strong>: Persistent attempts to expel the obstruction.<\/li>\n