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Send us a message. How do I know if my pet is choking? The canine Heimlich maneuver Most owners find it easier to do this action on a larger dog. Big Bear Pet Lodge. Request Appointment. Get In Touch. Thank you! There was an error processing this form. Office Hours. Other Resources. Part of being a loving dog parent means learning to recognize the signs of choking so you know when and how to take action.
Worst-case, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog - read below to learn how. Also, learn how to prevent your dog from choking in the first place. Knowing how dogs act and the symptoms they exhibit when choking is a critical first step in preventing the worst from happening. Here's how to tell if your dog is choking:. Auditory signs : Your pup may make high-pitched, squeaking or whistling noises. These sounds may turn into light or heavy coughing, followed by gagging. If she has something lodged in her throat that is blocking her airway, she might not be able to make a noise.
Discoloration of her tongue or gums is a sign that oxygen flow is restricted. Sensory signs : Watch your pup for signs of anxious behavior or panic such as pawing at the mouth, panting, pacing or trouble breathing.
Any of these signs may indicate your dog is in the process of choking. When a dog is choking and oxygen is cut off to the brain and circulatory system, he will instinctively start to panic. This can make even the calmest of dogs exhibit out-of-control behavior. If your dog is panicking, try to keep him restrained so he doesn't hurt you or himself. If you cannot see the obstruction or are unable to reach it, call your emergency veterinarian right away.
If there 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 you are unable to 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 injury to your dog's throat. Get your dog to the vet as quickly and safely as possible in order to have the bone removed while your dog is sedated.
If you aren't able to remove the object that your dog is choking on with your fingers, the Heimlich maneuver is your next step. Depending on the size of your dog, there are two different methods:.
Carefully hold your dog on your lap and turn them onto their back, then using the palm of your hand apply pressure right beneath the rib cage and push firmly inwards and upwards 5 times in a thrusting motion. Roll your dog back onto their side and check their mouth for the food or object that was causing the issue.
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.
Doing this should dislodge food, 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 he doesn't choke or swallow what was previously bothering him. If your dog is laying on the floor, place one hand on the dog's back and use the other hand to push or squeeze their abdomen upwards and forwards towards the spine, then check your dog's mouth for the offending object. 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 went without oxygen for any length of time 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.
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