Dogs are vulnerable to choking on objects or food, which can be a dangerous situation if not addressed quickly.
Signs Your Dog Is Choking
Before taking action, it’s important to identify if your dog is actually choking or just coughing. Some signs your dog is choking include:
- Gagging
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness or agitation
- Attempts to touch their mouth with their paw
What to Do If Your Dog Is Choking
It’s crucial to act quickly if you suspect your dog is choking. Follow these steps to help them:
Step 1: Open Your Dog’s Mouth to Check the Airways
Do this carefully and only if you believe your dog won’t bite you. Keep your fingers away from their teeth and see if there’s anything lodged in their throat.
Step 2: Try to Remove the Object If Visible
Use your fingers or tweezers to remove the object from your dog’s airways. Be careful not to push it further down.
Step 3: If the Object Doesn’t Come Out, Try the Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich maneuver can help dislodge the object from your dog’s throat. Here’s how to do it:
| For a Small Dog: | For a Large Dog: |
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How to Help a Small Dog If They Are Choking:
- Lift the dog by their hind legs so their head is downward.
- Perform abdominal thrusts.
How to Help a Large Dog If They Are Choking:
- Hold the dog with their back against you and perform abdominal thrusts.
If This Doesn’t Work:
If first aid attempts are unsuccessful, promptly transport your dog to the nearest emergency veterinarian.
If none of the above works, call or locate a veterinarian urgently.
What to Do Afterwards:
After a choking episode, it’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough check-up.
Checking Your Dog’s Pulse
- Elbow pulse: Flex your dog’s elbow and feel for a pulse where it joins the chest.
- Inner thigh pulse: Place your fingers on the inside of your dog’s hind leg halfway up the thigh to feel for pulses.
Determining the Need for CPR
If your dog isn’t breathing and doesn’t have a pulse, you’ll need to administer CPR on your way to the nearest vet. CPR consists of two components: mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions.
Mouth-to-mouth breathing
- Position your dog: Lay your dog on its side.
- Open airways: Gently tilt your dog’s head back to open its airway.
- Seal mouth and nose: Ensure a tight seal over your dog’s nose and mouth.
- Provide breaths: Exhale into your dog’s nose until you see its chest rise. Repeat for a second breath.
Chest compressions
- Small dogs: Place your hands around the chest and compress it 120 times per minute with 2 breaths every 30 compressions.
- Large dogs: If your dog is on its side, place hands on the widest part of the chest. If it’s lying on its back, place hands on the sternum. Compress the chest 4 to 12 centimeters (depending on size) at a rate of 120 compressions per minute with 2 breaths every 30 compressions. You can synchronize compressions to the rhythm of «Stayin’ Alive» by the Bee Gees.
Continue these steps until you reach the vet or your dog begins breathing on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does water help a choking dog? Water should only be given to your dog after the incident. You can offer small sips of water once the emergency is resolved.
- Is it still necessary to take the dog to the vet if it seems fine and is no longer choking? It’s essential to take your dog to the vet for examination even if it seems fine. Choking can cause significant injuries, and the object may have damaged your dog’s mouth or throat.
Understanding the anatomy of a dog’s throat and being prepared to administer CPR can be lifesaving in emergencies. Always stay vigilant and seek professional help when needed.