It couldn't be your dog choking, could it? As you run over to him, scared that some of his dinner is lodged in his throat, you realize that you don't even know if there's a Heimlich maneuver for dogs. If there is, you certainly don't know how to do it. Luckily, your dog was just fine, and those choking sounds may have taken place because something went "down the wrong pipe", as humans say. But what if you found your dog choking for real? Something might be lodged in his throat or mouth, and it's important to know how to save a dog that is choking on his food.
Of course, you'd want to get your dog to the veterinarian's office or an emergency clinic, but you can't wait for their help. You need to be able to act immediately to save your dog's life. Here's how. One of the first things you might notice if your dog is having trouble with a small amount of food being stuck is coughing, as your dog is trying to expel the item.
He may also have difficulty inhaling, says Banfield Pet Hospital. Another sign of a dog choking will be pawing at the mouth or head. A dog that is unconscious is another very serious indicator that your dog may have choked or something else is seriously wrong.
It's important to pay close attention to these signs, but realize they also might mean something different. For example, a cough could be a cold symptom and pawing at the face could mean something got into your dog's eyes.
When you notice any of the above signs, check your dog's mouth, if possible, to see if any food is trapped or lodged inside. Remember that your dog is scared, and a scared dog may be anxious and unpredictable. Be careful with your approach, but remember you are your dog's lifeline.
If you can safely check his mouth and there is food inside, see if you can swipe it away safely with your finger so that your dog will be able to breathe again. There's a chance that you won't be able to remove what your dog is choking on. In this case, you'll have to do the Heimlich maneuver for dogs.
PetMD suggests carefully turning over little dogs and putting pressure on their upper abdomen, right beneath the rib cage. For large breeds, PetMD recommends not picking them up, but putting your arms around the dog so they join at his abdomen. Then, make a fist with your hands and push up and forward, just like you would for humans. PetGuide provides a diagram on its website showing how to hold your dog, and suggests the following pattern:.
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 stops breathing and falls unconscious, PetCoach also offers instructions for performing rescue breaths. When a dog chokes, contact his vet immediately, especially if he was unconscious at any point. It's likely the vet will want to see your pet right away to make sure the choking didn't do any additional harm to your dog's body that you can't see.
You love your pet like a member of your human pack, so you'd do anything to make sure he's happy and healthy. They may be struggling to whine and alert you to their problem. However, if their airway is totally blocked, they will be unable to make any sound at all. Click here to book an online dog first aid course. Pick the dog up by its thighs and gently shake 3 or 4 times in a downwards motion. In most cases, getting rid of the choking obstruction allows the dog to begin breathing again on their own.
Remember that because they are scared, they could bite you — even when the object has been removed. They may also pick up on your panicked heartbeat which will add to their fear and anxiety.
If your dog is unconscious and not breathing, you may wish to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation at approximately chest compressions per minute; 30 compressions to 2 breaths and continue these until the vet can take over.
Click here for an online CPR for Dogs course. Whether the item is dislodged or not, it is essential that the animal is thoroughly checked by a vet, as there may be damage to the inside of the mouth or throat once the object is removed, or damage to their ribs or internal organs if you have attempted an abdominal thrust.
Trauma to the inside of the mouth or throat can take many days to heal and can also make it hard or painful for the dog to eat their regular food. Making the normal diet soft by running it through the blender with warm water may help. Your vet may dispense pain relief to help during the recovery period.
We offer many free resources to help owners learn in advance how to help with medical emergencies with their pets. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you remain calm and react effectively. We have also produced a free online course on how to help your dog if they choke. It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. So if your dog has been engaging in these activities and begins coughing—unlike in humans, it's the most telling sign of choking for dogs—intervene right away. Beyond coughing and choking sounds, there may be other signs of distress in your dog that you can watch for, including excessive drooling, pacing, pawing at their mouth or rubbing their face or snout along the ground.
They may gag or retch. Or you might hear high-pitched squeaking or whistling. If their airway is blocked you may see them have difficulty breathing or in severe cases your dog could even collapse. Acting quickly, in a calm manner, try to locate and clear the food or foreign object using your fingers. Be sure to use caution any time you are reaching inside of your dog's mouth, especially when they are in distress as they may try to bite. And do not force anything if you are unsure.
If you can see what your dog is choking on but are unable to remove it with your hands, you might consider the Heimlich maneuver. Once the airway is compromised, the pet's condition can deteriorate quickly. Sometimes you may be able to dislodge larger objects by firmly putting pressure with both your thumbs under your dog's jaw at the base of their throat and pushing forward. Remember not to let your administration of CPR or other life-saving efforts delay getting your dog to the vet. If your dog is seriously choking, your best bet is to get your dog to the vet or a veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.
Once there, your vet will confirm whether your dog is choking or dealing with a respiratory issue. Your dog may need to be sedated so that removing the object is easier. In extreme and rare cases of complete obstruction, your vet may perform a tracheotomy to allow air to bypass the obstruction.
In an emergency, follow these steps for just a couple of minutes to see if you can help your choking dog. If not, immediately seek the help of a veterinarian. If your dog won't stand and is too large for you to lift, you can get your dog to lie on their side.
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