What should I do if my dog chokes on food and coughs? - briefly
If your dog is choking on food and coughing, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver: Stand behind your dog, place your fingers under its ribcage, and press firmly upwards and towards you.
What should I do if my dog chokes on food and coughs? - in detail
If your dog is choking on food and coughing, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly to ensure their safety. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Assess the Situation: Look for signs of choking such as difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, drooling, or making choking sounds. If your dog is coughing, it may be trying to dislodge the object, but if the coughing persists or worsens, immediate action is necessary.
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Do Not Attempt to Grab the Object: Trying to grab the object with your fingers can push it further down the throat and cause more harm. Instead, follow these steps:
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Perform the Finger Sweep Method: If you can see the object but it's not completely blocking the airway, try to sweep it out using your finger. Open your dog's mouth and sweep your finger across the bottom of the mouth towards the cheeks. Be careful not to push the object further back.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: For dogs, this maneuver is slightly different from that performed on humans. Here’s how you do it:
- Stand or kneel behind your dog so that you're supporting its body with your hands.
- Place your hands on either side of the dog's ribcage, just below the lowest rib.
- Press firmly inward and upward simultaneously. You may need to perform this several times.
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Check for Dislodged Object: After performing the Heimlich maneuver, check your dog’s mouth to see if the object has been dislodged. If it is, carefully remove it.
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Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if you successfully remove the object, it's important to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The dog may have internal injuries or complications that require professional attention.
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Stay Calm and Reassure Your Dog: Throughout the process, maintain a calm demeanor. Dogs are very perceptive and can sense if you're panicked, which may make them more agitated.
By following these steps, you can help your dog in case of choking and ensure their safety and well-being.