Because dogs enjoy chewing on the things they find, they may experience an airway obstruction, resulting in choking. In this blog post, our Redmond vets offer some information on choking in dogs and the steps to take in this situation, including how to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver on dogs.
What to Do if Your Dog is Choking
When a dog is choking, coughing is one of the first signs. If your dog has something stuck in their mouth or throat, they will often start coughing to get rid of the object.
Additionally, you may notice your dog struggling to breathe because their airway is blocked.
Other signs of choking in dogs include pawing at their head or mouth and appearing panicked or frantic. In severe cases, a choking dog may lose consciousness.
How to Help a Choking Dog
What to do if your dog is choking? If your dog shows any signs of choking, you must act immediately. You won't be able to wait.
Start by looking inside your dog's mouth to see if they have any food or foreign objects lodged in their throat or mouth. If you see something there, try to wipe it away with your finger to help your dog breathe again.
If you can see a piece of food or an object and can't move it, take your dog to an emergency vet as fast as possible or try performing the Heimlich maneuver as instructed below.
If a small bone is stuck in your dog's throat, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Bones can injure your dog's throat. Take your dog to the vet as quickly and safely as possible to have the bone removed while your dog is sedated.
Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs
If you cannot remove the item your dog is choking on with your fingers, the next step is to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Two different methods are depending on the size of your dog.
How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver on Smaller Dogs
To help a choking dog, carefully hold your dog on your lap and turn them on their back. Then, using the palm of your hand, apply pressure right beneath the rib cage and push firmly inwards and upwards five times in a thrusting motion. After that, roll your dog back onto their side and check their mouth for the food or object causing the issue.
How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver on Medium & Large Dogs
If your dog is standing, put your arms around them so your hands join at the abdomen. Then make a fist with your hands and firmly and swiftly push up and forward five times in a thrusting motion - much like you would perform the maneuver on a human.
This motion should dislodge the food from where it was. But, be sure to check the mouth and help remove any food that may be loose in the back of your dog's mouth so they don't choke or swallow what was previously bothering them.
If your dog is lying on the floor, place one hand on the dog's back and use the other hand to push or squeeze their abdomen upwards and forward towards the spine, then check your dog's mouth for the offending object.
Steps to Take Once Your Dog is No Longer Choking
If you can remove the object blocking your dog's airway, you should still contact your vet. If your dog has gone without oxygen, your vet may recommend hospitalization.
Choking can cause painful damage to your dog's mouth and throat that might not be noticed immediately by a distressed owner. Your vet might recommend a bronchoscopy to examine your dog's throat for damage.
Ways That You Can Help Prevent Choking in Dogs
To prevent your dog from choking in the future, it's important to supervise them when they are playing with toys or chewing on bones. Ensuring you are giving your dog the appropriate food for their size can also help prevent choking, especially for small breeds. It's always a good idea to monitor your dog while they eat.
If you have children at home, keep toys out of your dog's reach, as these can be harmful if swallowed. When selecting toys for your dog, choose sturdy ones that can withstand chewing.
For dogs that are aggressive chewers, look for extra-tough chew toys that won't break into pieces, which could be a choking hazard.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.