If your dog is choking, here are the key steps to take immediately:
- Stay calm and restrain your dog gently to protect yourself, but do not muzzle them as they need to breathe and may panic or bite
- Open your dog's mouth and look inside carefully. If you see a visible object, try to remove it by sweeping your finger from the back of the throat forward. Use tweezers if needed, but only if you can do so safely without pushing the object further down or risking a bite
- Do not insert your hand blindly if you cannot see the object clearly, as this could cause injury or push the object deeper
- If you cannot remove the object and your dog is still choking or gasping for breath, perform the Heimlich maneuver :
- For larger dogs: Stand behind the dog, place your hands just below the rib cage, and give 5 quick, firm abdominal thrusts inward and upward
* For smaller dogs: Hold them on your lap on their back and apply pressure beneath the rib cage with your palm, pushing inward and upward 5 times
- If the dog becomes unconscious and is not breathing, begin CPR (30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths) and get to a veterinarian immediately
- After the object is dislodged , even if your dog seems fine, take them to a vet immediately. Choking can cause damage to the throat or lungs that may not be immediately visible and require medical evaluation
- If you cannot clear the obstruction quickly, get your dog to an emergency vet as soon as possible
Summary of What to Do If Your Dog Is Choking:
- Restrain gently, do not muzzle.
- Look inside the mouth and remove visible objects carefully.
- Perform Heimlich maneuver if needed.
- Start CPR if unconscious.
- Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
These steps can save your dog's life in a choking emergency
