My dog choked on a fishbone, what should I do? - briefly
If your dog has choked on a fishbone, quickly perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind them and wrapping your arms around their abdomen just below the ribs, then press firmly inward and upward with quick thrusts. If this does not dislodge the bone, seek immediate veterinary care.
My dog choked on a fishbone, what should I do? - in detail
If your dog has choked on a fishbone, it's important to act swiftly and calmly to ensure their safety. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Stay Calm: Dogs can sense when their owners are anxious, so it's crucial to remain composed throughout the process.
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Assess the Situation: Check if your dog is still able to breathe. If they are gasping for air or pawing at their mouth, it indicates that the bone may be lodged in their throat and blocking the airway.
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Perform the Finger Sweep Method:
- Place both hands on either side of your dog's neck.
- Using your index finger and thumb, press firmly under your dog's jaw where it meets the neck. This will help to open their mouth.
- Insert your finger into your dog's mouth. If you can feel the bone, try to carefully dislodge it by sweeping your finger gently towards the front of the mouth. Be cautious not to push the bone further back.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If the bone is too far back to reach with your fingers, you may need to perform the canine Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand or kneel behind your dog.
- Place your hands on either side of their belly, just below the ribcage.
- Press firmly inward and upward, towards the spine. This should help to dislodge the bone.
- Repeat this action several times if necessary.
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Check for Success: After attempting to dislodge the bone, check your dog's mouth again to see if the bone has been removed. If it has not, or if you are unable to perform these steps safely, seek immediate veterinary care.
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Monitor Your Dog: Even after successfully removing the bone, continue to monitor your dog for any signs of distress or difficulty breathing. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent similar incidents in the future, ensure that fishbones are always removed from any fish you give to your dog. Feeding your dog boneless food can also help avoid this issue altogether.