The dog is choking and doesn't get up, what should I do? - briefly
If your dog is choking and unresponsive, immediate action is crucial. Perform the Heimlich maneuver by placing your dog on its side, find the soft hollow below the ribcage, apply firm pressure and push inward and upward. If the object does not dislodge, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
The dog is choking and doesn't get up, what should I do? - in detail
When a dog is choking and unresponsive, immediate and correct action is crucial. First, ensure your own safety and the safety of the dog. Remain calm and follow these steps systematically.
Assess the situation quickly. If the dog is conscious but choking, attempt to remove the obstruction by performing the Heimlich maneuver for dogs. Place your arms around the dog's waist, just behind the ribcage. Make a fist with one hand and place it just behind the ribcage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press inward and upward in a quick, forceful motion. Repeat this motion until the object is dislodged or the dog becomes unconscious.
If the dog becomes unconscious, lay the dog on its side. Open the dog's mouth and look for any visible obstructions. If you see an object, attempt to remove it using your fingers or pliers. Be cautious not to push the object further down the throat. If the object is not visible or cannot be removed, begin CPR.
To perform CPR on a dog, place one hand on the dog's chest, just behind the front legs. Compress the chest down about one-third to one-half the width of the chest. Perform 30 compressions, followed by two rescue breaths. To give rescue breaths, close the dog's mouth and breathe into the nostrils until the chest rises. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until the dog regains consciousness or veterinary help arrives.
If the dog is not breathing but has a heartbeat, perform rescue breathing. Close the dog's mouth and breathe into the nostrils until the chest rises. Give one breath every 3-5 seconds.
Throughout the process, keep the dog warm and dry. If possible, have someone call a veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic for further instructions. Provide the veterinarian with details about the incident, including the size and breed of the dog, the nature of the obstruction, and any actions you have taken.
Once the obstruction is removed and the dog is breathing normally, monitor the dog closely for any signs of distress or complications. Even if the dog seems fine, it is essential to take the dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The veterinarian will check for any internal damage and ensure that the dog's airway is clear.
Prevention is always better than cure. Keep small objects and potential choking hazards out of reach of pets. Train your dog to avoid eating non-food items and supervise playtime to prevent accidents. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help identify potential health issues that may increase the risk of choking.
In summary, acting quickly and correctly is vital when a dog is choking and unresponsive. Follow the steps outlined above, stay calm, and seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. Proper training and prevention can help reduce the risk of choking incidents in the future.