What should I do if my dog is choking and coughing up white foam?

What should I do if my dog is choking and coughing up white foam? - briefly

If your dog is choking and coughing up white foam, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver by placing your hands on either side of their ribcage and applying firm pressure. If the object doesn't dislodge, seek veterinary care promptly to prevent further complications.

What should I do if my dog is choking and coughing up white foam? - in detail

If your dog is choking and coughing up white foam, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly to ensure their safety. Here are the detailed steps you should follow:

1. Assess the Situation: Check if there are any visible obstructions in your dog's mouth or throat that could be causing the choking. Be cautious, as dogs can become aggressive when frightened or in pain.

2. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If you see an object but cannot remove it safely with your fingers, perform the Heimlich maneuver. For small to medium-sized dogs:

   • Place your dog on their side.
   • Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly below the ribcage.
   • With your other hand, press firmly on top of the fist in a quick, upward motion. This should dislodge the object.

   For larger dogs, you may need to use both hands to perform this maneuver.

3. Check for Breathing: After attempting to remove the obstruction, check if your dog is breathing normally. If not, start performing CPR:

   • Place your dog on a flat surface.
   • For small dogs, cup one hand around their muzzle and blow gently into their nostrils once every 3-5 seconds.
   • For larger dogs, you may need to use both hands to perform rescue breaths.
   • After each breath, check for signs of breathing and attempt to feel a pulse in the femoral artery located inside the hind leg.

4. Perform Chest Compressions: If there is no pulse or your dog is not breathing:

   • Place the heel of one hand over the heart (located where the left elbow touches the ground).
   • For small dogs, use one hand; for larger dogs, use both hands.
   • Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions.
   • After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

5. Transport to a Veterinarian: Once your dog is stable and breathing normally, immediately transport them to a veterinarian. Even if you successfully remove the obstruction, there could be internal injuries or complications that require professional attention.

6. Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent choking in the future:

   • Keep small objects and potential choking hazards out of your dog's reach.
   • Supervise your dog when they are playing with toys or chewing on treats.
   • Learn canine first aid and CPR to be prepared for any emergencies.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively respond to a choking emergency and provide the necessary care to save your dog's life.