The dog choked on a fish bone and coughs, what to do? - briefly
If your dog has choked on a fish bone and is coughing, quickly assess if the bone is blocking their airway. If it's not causing severe distress or blocking the airway, allow them to try to expel it through coughing while monitoring closely. If breathing becomes severely impaired or stops, seek immediate veterinary assistance as this could be a life-threatening emergency.
The dog choked on a fish bone and coughs, what to do? - in detail
If your dog has choked on a fish bone and is coughing, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Stay Calm: Dogs can sense our emotions, so try to remain calm throughout the process. Panicking may only aggravate the situation.
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Check for Obstruction: If your dog is coughing repeatedly and seems distressed, there's a good chance that something is stuck in their throat or airway. Look inside your dog's mouth to see if you can spot the bone. Be cautious; dogs may bite when they are in distress.
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Do Not Pull Out the Bone: If you see the bone, do not try to pull it out with your fingers or tweezers. This could push the bone further down into the throat or damage the surrounding tissue.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: For larger dogs, you can perform a version of the Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the dog's ribcage.
- With your other hand, press firmly on your fist to apply pressure in an upward motion.
- Repeat this process 4-5 times. If the bone is dislodged, your dog should cough it up.
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Seek Veterinary Help: Even if you successfully dislodge the bone, it's crucial to take your dog to a vet immediately. The bone could have caused damage or infection that isn't immediately visible. Additionally, if the bone is still stuck after several attempts of the Heimlich maneuver, do not continue; instead, get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.
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Avoid Future Incidents: Prevent future choking incidents by ensuring bones are always cooked thoroughly and broken into small pieces before giving them to your dog. Better yet, consider avoiding fish bones altogether and opt for safer treats or chews designed specifically for dogs.
Important Note: If at any point your dog becomes unconscious, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) while waiting for veterinary help. Place your dog on their side and press firmly on their chest with the flat part of your hand. Perform 100-120 compressions per minute until you reach a vet or your dog regains consciousness.
Always remember that prevention is key, and prompt action can save your dog's life in case of an emergency.