What should I do if my dog can't cough and is choking? - briefly
If your dog cannot cough and is choking, quickly perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind your dog, wrap your arms around its waist just below the ribcage, and apply firm pressure with quick thrusts until the object is dislodged.
What should I do if my dog can't cough and is choking? - in detail
If your dog is choking and unable to cough, prompt action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Stay Calm: It's important to remain calm so that you can think clearly and act effectively.
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Open Your Dog's Mouth: Gently open your dog's mouth by placing your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your index finger on the other side, just behind the canines (the long teeth). Press your fingers upwards to pry open the mouth.
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Check for Obstructions: Look inside your dog's mouth for any obstruction. If you see something, try to remove it using your fingers or tweezers. Be careful not to push the object further down the throat.
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Perform the Heimlich Manner: If you can't see or reach the obstruction, perform the dog version of the Heimlich maneuver:
- For small dogs (under 30 lbs): Hold your dog with his back against your chest and your arms wrapped around him. Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the ribcage. Press firmly inward and upward, towards the spine, with quick thrusts.
- For larger dogs: Stand or kneel behind your dog. Place your arms around his waist and lace your fingers together. Pull up and back firmly to dislodge the object.
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Check Airway: After performing the Heimlich maneuver, check if the obstruction has been dislodged by looking inside your dog's mouth again. If you still can't see or reach it, repeat the process.
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Call Your Veterinarian: Even if you manage to dislodge the object, take your dog to the vet immediately. Some objects may cause internal damage that isn't immediately visible.
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CPR: If your dog becomes unconscious and stops breathing after choking, perform CPR:
- Lay your dog on his side on a flat surface.
- Close his mouth and extend his neck to open the airway.
- Cover his nostrils with your mouth and exhale until you see his chest rise.
- Give one breath every 3-5 seconds.
- Check for a pulse after one minute of breathing. If there's no pulse, perform chest compressions: place both hands on the widest part of the ribcage and press firmly, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
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Aftercare: After performing CPR or if your dog is conscious but distressed, wrap him in a blanket to keep him warm and calm until you can get him to the vet.