What should I do if my dog chokes on a bone and coughs at home? - briefly
If your dog chokes on a bone and starts coughing, remain calm and assess the situation. Quickly check if the dog can breathe and if the bone is visible in the throat. If the dog is struggling to breathe, immediately open the dog's mouth and try to gently remove the bone using your fingers or pliers. If the bone is not visible or the dog is not breathing, perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs by placing your fists just below the ribcage and applying quick, upward thrusts until the bone is dislodged. Seek veterinary care immediately afterward.
What should I do if my dog chokes on a bone and coughs at home? - in detail
If your dog is choking on a bone and coughing at home, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. Choking can be a life-threatening emergency, so immediate action is necessary. Here are the steps you should follow:
First, assess the situation. If your dog is conscious and able to make some noise or cough, this indicates that air is still getting to the lungs. However, if your dog is completely silent, unable to breathe, and appears panicked, the situation is critical. In such cases, immediate intervention is required.
If the dog is coughing but still able to breathe, try to remain calm and monitor the situation closely. Encourage your dog to drink small amounts of water, as this can sometimes help to dislodge the bone. Do not attempt to reach into the dog's mouth or throat, as this can push the bone further down or cause injury.
If the dog is not breathing and appears to be choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs. Place your dog on its side and find the soft area just behind the ribcage. Apply firm, quick pressure to this area to try and dislodge the bone. You can also try lifting the dog's hindquarters while applying pressure to the abdomen. Continue these efforts until the bone is dislodged or until the dog becomes unconscious.
If the dog becomes unconscious, perform CPR immediately. Place the dog on a flat surface and check for a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, begin chest compressions by placing your hands over the dog's heart and compressing firmly and quickly. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by closing the dog's mouth and blowing air into the nostrils. Continue this cycle until the dog starts breathing on its own or until veterinary help arrives.
Always keep your veterinarian's contact information readily available. If the choking incident is severe or if you are unsure about performing the Heimlich maneuver or CPR, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. They can provide guidance over the phone and be prepared to receive your pet for further treatment.
Prevention is also essential. Avoid giving your dog bones that can splinter or break into small pieces, as these can easily become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. Stick to dog-safe chew toys and treats designed to minimize the risk of choking. Regularly check your dog's mouth and teeth for any signs of injury or obstruction.
In summary, if your dog is choking on a bone and coughing, remain calm and assess the situation. If the dog is still able to breathe, encourage drinking water and monitor closely. If the dog is not breathing, perform the Heimlich maneuver and CPR if necessary. Always have your veterinarian's contact information handy and seek professional help if needed. Prevention through safe chew toys and regular check-ups can help avoid such emergencies in the future.