What should I do if my dog chokes and coughs? - briefly
If your dog is choking and coughing, first check their mouth for any visible obstructions and carefully remove them if possible. If the object cannot be seen or reached, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind your dog, wrapping your arms around their abdomen just below the ribs, and applying firm pressure with quick thrusts.
What should I do if my dog chokes and coughs? - in detail
If your dog is choking and coughing, it's crucial to act swiftly and calmly to ensure their safety. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Stay Calm: Dogs can sense your emotions, so staying calm will help your dog remain calm as well.
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Check for Blockage: Look inside your dog's mouth to see if there is an object causing the blockage. Be cautious as dogs may bite when they are in distress.
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Attempt to Remove the Object: If you can see the object, try to gently remove it using tweezers or your fingers. Never use force, as this could push the object further down and cause more harm.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If the object is not visible or cannot be removed safely, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog. Here's how:
- For small dogs (under 30 pounds): Hold your dog gently but firmly with one hand supporting their back and the other hand wrapped around their abdomen, just below the ribcage. Make a fist with your thumb pointing towards their stomach and give quick, firm thrusts upwards into their abdomen.
- For large dogs (over 30 pounds): Stand behind your dog. Wrap your arms around their waist and make a fist with one hand, placing it just below the ribcage. With your other hand, grasp the fist and give quick, firm thrusts upwards into their abdomen.
- Repeat these thrusts until the object is dislodged or your dog begins to breathe normally again.
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Seek Veterinary Care: Even if you successfully remove the object, it's important to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Internal injuries or other complications may not be immediately apparent.
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Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future choking incidents, ensure that any toys or treats given to your dog are age-appropriate and large enough that they can't be swallowed whole. Always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys or eating treats.
By following these steps, you can help ensure the safety of your dog if they ever experience choking or coughing due to a blockage.