My dog is choking from coughing, what should I do?

My dog is choking from coughing, what should I do? - briefly

If your dog is choking from coughing, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs: stand behind your dog, place your fingers under its ribcage, and apply firm pressure upwards and towards you. If this doesn't work, take your dog to a veterinarian promptly.

My dog is choking from coughing, what should I do? - in detail

If your dog is choking due to persistent coughing, it's crucial to remain calm and take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Assess the Situation: Determine if your dog is indeed choking or just experiencing a severe coughing fit. Choking typically involves difficulty breathing, gasping for air, pawing at the mouth, and a panicked expression. If in doubt, it's always best to treat the situation as an emergency.

2. Keep Your Dog Calm: Try to keep your dog calm by speaking soothingly and avoiding any sudden movements that could startle or stress your pet further.

3. Check for Obstructions: Gently open your dog's mouth and check for any visible obstructions in the throat, such as a toy, bone, or piece of food. Be cautious; a stressed dog may bite even if it is not aggressive by nature.

4. Dislodge the Object (if visible): If you can see an object, try to dislodge it using your fingers. Do not attempt this if the object is too far back or if you cannot safely reach it without pushing it further down.

5. Perform the Finger Sweep Technique: For larger dogs, stand behind them and encircle your hands around their waist. Make a fist with your thumb facing upwards. Place your thumb in the middle of the chest between the sternum (breastbone) and the ribs. Press firmly and swiftly inward and upward to dislodge the object.

6. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: For smaller dogs, lift them by their back legs so that they are hanging upside down. Make a fist with your dominant hand and place it right below their ribcage. Press firmly inward and upward, similar to the finger sweep technique.

7. Check Airway for Obstructions: After performing these techniques, check your dog's mouth again to ensure there are no remaining obstructions.

8. Monitor Breathing: Even if you have successfully dislodged an object, continue to monitor your dog's breathing to ensure they do not start choking again.

9. Seek Veterinary Care: Immediately after stabilizing your dog, take them to a veterinarian for further examination and treatment. Internal injuries or lingering obstructions can be serious, and professional care is essential.

10. Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future choking incidents, ensure that your dog does not have access to small objects or foods that could potentially cause blockages. Always supervise your pet during playtime and make sure any toys are safe and age-appropriate.