My dog started choking and coughing, what should I do?

My dog started choking and coughing, what should I do? - briefly

If your dog starts choking and coughing, stay calm and act quickly. Perform the Heimlich maneuver by placing your hands on either side of their ribcage and applying firm pressure, or lift them off the ground by their hindquarters if they are small.

My dog started choking and coughing, what should I do? - in detail

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

1. Stay Calm: Your dog can sense your emotions, so staying calm will help keep them from panicking further.

2. Check for Obstructions: Look inside your dog's mouth to see if there is any foreign object causing the blockage. If you find something, try to gently remove it using tweezers or your fingers. Be very careful not to push the object further down the throat.

3. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If you cannot see an obstruction but the dog is still choking, perform the canine version of the Heimlich maneuver:

   • For small dogs (less than 30 pounds): Hold your dog in a upright position with one hand supporting the back legs and the other hand wrapped around the abdomen, just below the rib cage. Make quick thrusts with your hand inward and upward toward the chest.
   • For larger dogs: Place them on their side and perform chest compressions as you would for CPR.

4. Check Airway: Ensure that the dog's airway is clear by opening the mouth and looking down the throat. If necessary, use your fingers to gently remove any obstructions.

5. Provide Rescue Breathing: If your dog stops breathing after you have removed the obstruction, perform rescue breathing:

   • Close your dog's mouth and extend the neck to open the airway.
   • Cover your dog’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the chest expand.
   • Give 1-2 breaths and check for a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, start CPR.

6. CPR: If your dog is not breathing and has no heartbeat, begin CPR:

   • Place your dog on their right side.
   • Find the heart by placing your hand on the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow.
   • Compress the chest with quick, firm strokes, aiming for 100-120 compressions per minute.
   • After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

7. Call a Veterinarian: Even if you successfully clear the obstruction and your dog starts breathing again, it is essential to take them to a veterinarian immediately for a thorough check-up. There could be internal injuries or other complications that need professional attention.

8. Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future choking incidents, keep small objects and potential choking hazards out of your dog's reach, and always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys or eating treats.