Most dogs chew on anything they can find - bones, toys, shoes. But what should you do if something gets stuck in your dog's mouth or throat and they choke? In this blog post, our emergency veterinarians in Los Angeles share what to do in a choking emergency.
Signs Your Dog is Choking
Understanding the signs of choking can help you act quickly and efficiently. Watch for these symptoms:
- Gagging or retching
- Coughing forcefully
- Difficulty breathing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue
- Excessive drooling
- Panic or distressed behavior
If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to act immediately, as your dog could be in serious danger.
Common Causes of Choking in Dogs
Dogs can choke for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Swallowing small objects like toys, bones, or pieces of food
- Ingesting foreign objects such as balls, sticks, or other household items
- Pieces of rawhide or treats getting lodged in the throat
- Severe allergic reactions causing throat swelling
- Collapsed trachea or other medical conditions
What to Do if Your Dog is Choking
If you notice any signs that your dog is choking, immediate action is essential, not waiting until you get to the vet.
Start by checking inside your dog's mouth to see if any food or foreign objects are lodged in your dog's mouth or throat. If you can see something, try to swipe it away with your finger to help your dog breathe again.
If you can see an object or a piece of food but cannot move it, get your dog to the emergency vet as quickly as possible or try performing the Heimlich maneuver as instructed below.
If you can see a small bone lodged in your dog's throat, do not try to remove it yourself. Bones can injure your dog's throat. Get 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
The Heimlich maneuver is your next step if you can't remove the object your dog is choking on with your fingers. Depending on the size of your dog, there are two different methods:
Heimlich Maneuver For Smaller Dogs
Carefully hold your dog on your lap and turn it onto its 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. Roll your dog back onto its side and check its mouth for the food or object causing the issue.
Heimlich Maneuver For Medium and Large Dogs
If your dog is standing, put your arms around it 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.
Doing this should dislodge the food, but be sure to check the mouth and help remove any food that may be loose in your dog's mouth so he doesn't choke or swallow what was previously bothering him.
If your dog is lying on the floor, place one hand on its back and use the other hand to push or squeeze its abdomen upwards and forward towards the spine. Then, check your dog's mouth for the offending object.
What to do After Your Dog has Stopped Choking
Even if you have managed to remove the object from your dog's throat and stop your dog from choking, it is important to contact your vet immediately. If your dog goes without oxygen, hospitalization may be recommended.
Choking can cause painful damage to your dog's mouth and throat that may not be immediately visible to a distressed owner. Your vet may recommend a bronchoscopy to check your dog's throat for damage.
Preventing Future Choking
To prevent your dog from choking, watch it closely when it plays with toys or bones. Feeding it food formulated for its size can also help, especially for small breeds. Monitoring it during meals is also a good idea.
If children are in the house, keep toys out of your dog's reach, as they could pose a choking risk. When selecting toys for your dog, choose ones that can withstand their chewing. For aggressive chewers, opt for extra-tough chew toys that won't break into small pieces.
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.