A burdock got stuck in a dog's throat, what to do?

A burdock got stuck in a dog's throat, what to do? - briefly

If your dog has swallowed a burdock and it is causing discomfort or obstruction, do not attempt to remove it yourself as this could cause further harm. Immediately contact your veterinarian for professional advice and care.

A burdock got stuck in a dog's throat, what to do? - in detail

If your dog has swallowed a burdock and it is causing distress or difficulty breathing, immediate action is required. Here are detailed steps to follow:

  1. Stay Calm: Remain calm and reassure your dog. Dogs can sense human emotions, and your composure will help them stay calm.

  2. Check the Airway: Open your dog's mouth gently and check if you can see or feel the burdock. If it is partially blocking the airway, do not attempt to remove it as this could push it further down.

  3. Call a Veterinarian: Even if you manage to dislodge the burdock, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and to schedule an appointment. Swallowed objects can cause internal damage that is not immediately visible.

  4. Heimlich Maneuver (for large dogs): If your dog is choking and cannot breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver:

    • Stand behind your dog with your arms around its waist.
    • Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the ribcage, in the soft part of the abdomen.
    • With your other hand, grasp your fist and pull firmly up and towards you in a quick, upward motion. This should dislodge the burdock if it is partially blocking the airway.

  5. Back Blows (for small to medium dogs): For smaller dogs, try giving back blows:

    • Hold your dog with one hand supporting its chest and the other hand holding its rear end steady.
    • Using the heel of your hand, give four to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades. This can help dislodge the burdock if it is partially blocking the airway.

  6. Monitor Your Dog: After attempting to dislodge the burdock, closely monitor your dog for any signs of distress or difficulty breathing. If the burdock has been expelled, watch for any vomiting or blood in the vomit, which could indicate internal damage.

  7. Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless instructed by a veterinarian, do not try to induce vomiting. This can cause the burdock to move further down into the stomach or intestines, potentially causing more harm.

  8. Prevent Future Incidents: Burdocks are common in many areas and dogs often ingest them while playing or exploring. To prevent future incidents, keep your dog on a leash when walking through areas with burdocks and supervise outdoor playtime.

By following these steps, you can help your dog if it has swallowed a burdock. However, always consult with a veterinarian for professional advice tailored to your dog's specific situation.