If your dog is choking, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Knowing the right steps to take can help ensure the safety of your pet and ease your own mind. By understanding the steps of dog choking first aid, you can provide your pup with the best chance of recovery.
When your dog is choking, the first thing you should do is assess the situation. Check for signs of breathing, such as the rise and fall of the chest.
If you notice distress, take action right away. Look for objects stuck in the throat, and if you see one, remove it if you can do so safely.
If your dog is not breathing, coughing, or making any noise, open the dog’s mouth and check for the object. If you can’t see it, the next step is to perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. Before you start the Heimlich, however, you need to make sure your dog’s airway is clear.
This means gently pulling the tongue and cheeks forward and away from the back of the throat.
If you notice anything blocking the airway, carefully and quickly remove it. Once the airway is clear, you can begin the modified Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the dog and wrap your arms around the body just below the rib cage and make a fist with one hand.
With your other hand, press your fist into the dog’s abdomen with several quick, upward thrusts. This should dislodge any object blocking the airway.
If you still cannot clear the airway, give your dog chest compressions to help dislodge the object. If after performing these steps, your dog is still having trouble breathing, you should seek veterinary assistance right away.
It is important to open the dog’s mouth in order to clear any object that may be causing the blockage. To do this, tilt the dog’s head back and pull their tongue out as far as possible. If you cannot pull the tongue out, you will have to use your fingers to pull the corners of their lips up and out.
The goal is to open the mouth wide enough to gain access to the throat and remove the object. Make sure you never put your fingers into the dog’s throat.
If you are able to open the dog’s mouth, look inside and try to locate the object blocking the throat. Once you locate it, gently remove it.
Take caution not to push the object further down the throat. If the object is too large to remove, you will have to perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. If the object is removed, check to make sure that the dog is now breathing normally.
Performing a Modified Heimlich Maneuver
If your dog is choking, you’ll want to act quickly. One of the most important steps is performing a modified Heimlich maneuver.
This involves putting your hands around the dog’s body from behind and squeezing several times. You’ll want to be firm, but not too forceful.
You should be able to feel the abdominal muscles contract under your hands. You’ll need to place your hands around the rib cage and push inwards and upwards several times. This will help dislodge the object that is stuck in the airway.
You may also want to try to open the dog’s mouth and try to remove the object that is blocking their airway. To do this, you’ll need to firmly hold their muzzle and lift their upper jaw away from the lower one.
Using your fingers, carefully open the dog’s mouth and try to feel around for the object. If you can see the object, use a pair of tweezers or something similar to remove it.
It’s important to be aware that performing a modified Heimlich maneuver is not always successful. If your dog is still choking after you have completed the maneuver, it is important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible to ensure that your pet receives the medical attention they need.
Providing Chest Compressions
If you notice your dog is choking, it is important to take immediate action to save your pup’s life. Chest compressions are the next step after you’ve determined that your dog is choking and can’t breathe.
Take the time to learn how to properly perform chest compressions, as it may make the difference between life and death. To provide chest compressions to a choking dog, begin by laying your dog on their side.
Place your hands on the chest, one on top of the other. Compress the chest with a quick, downward thrust. Be sure to press firmly but gently.
The goal is to push the air out of the chest and give the lungs time to refill with oxygen.
Continue this process until you notice the dog is breathing normally. It can be scary when your pup is choking and it’s important to stay calm and composed. Use your best judgement and be sure to contact your vet for further instruction if needed. With the correct knowledge and quick action, you’ll be able to provide the care your dog needs in times of distress.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
It’s important to know when to seek veterinary assistance for a dog choking emergency. Even if you succeed in dislodging the object successfully, you should take your pup to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible afterwards.
If you are unable to dislodge the object after multiple attempts, if your dog is unconscious, or if your dog’s breathing is labored and irregular and/or loud, it’s time to seek help. Your vet can assess the situation and determine if the object has caused any physical damage.
If your pet has been choking for more than a few seconds, or if your pet is showing any signs of weakness, lethargy, or shallow breathing, take them to the vet immediately. A veterinarian can assess the situation and provide the necessary treatment. Don’t wait to act—dog choking can cause serious injury or death if left untreated. It’s important to act quickly and follow the necessary steps to provide your dog with the best possible chance of survival.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
