What should I do if a bone gets stuck in my dog's throat? - briefly
If your dog has a bone stuck in its throat, you should immediately seek veterinary care. Do not attempt to remove it yourself as this could cause further injury or complications.
What should I do if a bone gets stuck in my dog's throat? - in detail
If you suspect that your dog has swallowed or ingested a bone and it is now lodged in their throat, immediate action is crucial. Here are the steps you should take:
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Stay Calm: It is essential to remain calm so that you can effectively assess the situation and provide help for your dog. Panic can escalate the problem and cause unnecessary distress for both you and your pet.
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Assess the Situation: Look for signs of choking such as difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, retching without producing anything, or making high-pitched noises while trying to breathe. If you observe any of these symptoms, it is likely that your dog has something stuck in their throat.
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Do Not Attempt to Remove the Bone: Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the bone yourself using your fingers or any other object. This could push the bone further down or cause additional damage to your dog's throat or esophagus.
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Call Your Veterinarian Immediately: Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away. Provide them with all the details about what happened and any symptoms you have observed in your dog. They can offer guidance over the phone and prepare for your arrival.
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Transport Your Dog Safely: If possible, keep your dog calm during transport. Do not allow your dog to run or exert themselves as this could dislodge the bone further. Use a muzzle if necessary to prevent your dog from biting you out of panic or pain.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (if trained): If you are trained in performing the Heimlich maneuver on dogs, you can attempt it while waiting for professional help. Here’s how:
- Stand behind your dog and place your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the ribcage.
- With your other hand, press firmly into your fist to apply pressure in a quick, upward motion.
- Repeat this motion several times in rapid succession.
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Monitor Your Dog: Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing and overall condition during transport. If at any point your dog stops breathing or becomes unresponsive, perform CPR if you are trained to do so. Otherwise, continue to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.
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Follow Veterinarian Instructions: Once at the vet, follow all instructions provided by the veterinary team. They may need to sedate your dog to safely remove the bone and assess any damage.
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Post-Treatment Care: After the bone has been removed, your veterinarian will provide you with post-treatment care instructions. This may include a special diet, medication, or follow-up visits to ensure that your dog is recovering properly.
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Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future incidents, avoid giving your dog bones as treats. Opt for safer alternatives and always supervise your dog when they are chewing on any item.
By following these steps, you can provide the necessary help to your dog while waiting for professional veterinary care.