If a dog starts choking and wheezing, what should I do?

If a dog starts choking and wheezing, what should I do? - briefly

If your dog begins choking and wheezing, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind them, wrapping your arms around their waist, and applying firm pressure to their abdomen just below the ribcage with a quick upward thrust. If the object is not dislodged, seek veterinary assistance promptly.

If a dog starts choking and wheezing, what should I do? - in detail

If your dog begins to choke or wheeze, it is crucial to act swiftly and calmly to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are the detailed steps you should follow:

1. Stay Calm: Your dog will sense your emotions, so maintaining a calm demeanor is essential for keeping them from panicking further.

2. Assess the Situation: Quickly determine if there is an object lodged in their throat or if they are experiencing respiratory distress due to an allergy, infection, or another underlying condition.

3. Remove Any Obstructions: If you see an object blocking their airway, try to remove it carefully. Do not attempt to push the object further down as this could worsen the situation. Gently open your dog's mouth and use your fingers or tweezers to extract the obstacle. Be cautious not to injure their throat or tongue during this process.

4. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If you cannot remove the object, perform the canine Heimlich maneuver. Place your dog on their side and locate the point where their ribs meet their spine. Press firmly with quick thrusts in an attempt to dislodge the object. Continue this until the obstruction is expelled or professional help arrives.

5. Check for Breathing: After removing any blockages, check if your dog is breathing normally. If they are not, perform artificial respiration by extending their neck and closing their mouth. Breathe into their nose gently but firmly, ensuring that their chest rises with each breath. Perform these breaths about every 4-5 seconds until they regain consciousness or professional help arrives.

6. Administer CPR: If your dog is still unresponsive and not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Place your dog on a firm, flat surface and locate the heart area, which is usually at the lower half of their ribcage. Press firmly with quick thrusts to pump blood through their body. Continue this process for about 10-15 seconds before giving two rescue breaths as described earlier. Repeat the cycle until your dog shows signs of recovery or professional help arrives.

7. Seek Professional Help: Even if you successfully dislodge the obstruction and your dog starts breathing again, it is crucial to take them to a veterinarian immediately. They can assess any potential damage and provide necessary treatment.

8. Prevent Future Incidents: Once your dog has recovered, take steps to prevent future choking incidents. Keep small objects out of reach, supervise their playtime, and consider training them not to swallow inedible items.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage a choking or wheezing episode in your dog and ensure their safe recovery.