What should I do if my dog is choking and coughing? - briefly
If your dog is choking and coughing, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind your dog, make a fist with one hand, and place it right below the ribcage. With your other hand, press firmly into the fist, applying pressure to dislodge the obstruction.
What should I do if my dog is choking and coughing? - in detail
If your dog is choking and coughing, immediate action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Assess the Situation: Check your dog's airway for any visible obstructions. Look inside the mouth, but be cautious as dogs can bite when stressed or in pain. If possible, have someone assist you by gently holding the dog's muzzle closed while you examine its mouth.
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Attempt to Dislodge the Object: If you see an object, try to remove it using your fingers. Be careful not to push it further down the throat. You can also attempt the Heimlich maneuver for dogs:
- For small dogs (under 30 pounds), wrap your arms around the dog's torso, just behind the front legs. Make a fist and place it slightly below the dog's last rib. Press firmly in and up towards the dog's spine, using quick thrusts.
- For larger dogs, stand behind them, find the soft spot right behind their last rib, and press firmly with quick thrusts.
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Perform Rescue Breaths: If the object is dislodged or you cannot see anything, perform rescue breaths:
- Close your dog's mouth and extend its neck to open the airway.
- Breathe into your dog's nose until you see its chest rise.
- Check for a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, begin CPR by compressing the chest at a rate of 80-120 compressions per minute.
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Contact a Veterinarian: Even if your dog seems to recover, it's essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Internal injuries or damage can occur even if the obstruction is dislodged. Your vet can provide guidance and determine if further treatment is needed.
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Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent choking in the future, keep small objects and potential hazards out of reach, supervise your dog during playtime, and consider training your dog to avoid eating non-food items.