My Spitz is choking, what should I do? - briefly
If your Spitz is choking, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver by wrapping your arms around its belly and applying firm pressure just below the ribs. Follow up with CPR if necessary. Contact your vet for further guidance.
My Spitz is choking, what should I do? - in detail
If your Spitz is choking, immediate and calm action is crucial. Here's how you can help:
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Stay Calm: Your pet will sense your panic, so it's essential to remain composed.
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Check for Obstructions: Open your dog's mouth and look for any visible obstruction. Be careful, as a scared or panicked dog may bite.
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Try to Dislodge the Object: If you can see the object, try to gently dislodge it using your fingers. Never attempt to push the object further down, as this could cause more harm.
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Perform Back Blows: If the object is not visible or cannot be dislodged, hold your dog safely with its back against your chest and perform several sharp blows with the flat of your hand between its shoulder blades. This can help to dislodge the obstruction.
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Abdominal Thrusts: If back blows do not work, you can try abdominal thrusts. Place your dog on its side and apply firm pressure with the palm of your hand in an upward motion just below the ribcage. Repeat this motion several times.
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Check Airway Regularly: Between attempts to dislodge the object, check your dog's airway to see if the obstruction has been removed.
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Seek Professional Help: Even if you successfully remove the object, it's crucial to take your Spitz to a veterinarian immediately. Internal damage or complications may not be immediately apparent.
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Know CPR: In extreme cases where your dog becomes unconscious and stops breathing, knowing canine CPR can be lifesaving. However, this should only be attempted if you've been properly trained.
Always remember that prevention is key. Keep small objects out of reach, and never leave your Spitz unattended with toys or food that could potentially cause choking.