What should I do if my dog seems to be choking and coughing?

What should I do if my dog seems to be choking and coughing? - briefly

If your dog is choking and coughing, immediately open their mouth and check for any obstructions. If you can see an object, carefully remove it with your fingers or tweezers.

What should I do if my dog seems to be choking and coughing? - in detail

If your dog appears to be choking and coughing, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Remain Calm: Dogs can sense when their owners are anxious, so try to stay calm to help your pet remain composed.

2. Inspect Your Dog's Mouth: Gently open your dog's mouth and look for any signs of an object that might be causing the choking. Be cautious as dogs in distress may bite.

3. Try to Dislodge the Object: If you can see something stuck in your dog's throat, try to dislodge it with your fingers. Only attempt this if you can clearly see and reach the object without pushing it further down.

4. Perform the Canine Heimlich Maneuver: If the object is not visible or cannot be dislodged, perform the canine Heimlich maneuver. Here’s how:

   • For small dogs (under 30 pounds): Hold your dog with their back against your chest and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the rib cage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform upward thrusts, similar to how you would do the Heimlich maneuver on a human.
   • For large dogs (over 30 pounds): Stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist and place it just below the rib cage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform upward thrusts.

5. Check for a Pulse: After performing the Heimlich maneuver, check if your dog has a pulse by feeling for a heartbeat on the inside of their hind leg, where the femoral artery is located.

6. Administer CPR If Necessary: If your dog does not have a pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Place your dog on its side and extend the neck to open the airway. Perform rescue breaths by closing your dog's mouth with your hand and breathing into its nose until you see the chest rise.

7. Get Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Internal injuries or complications can occur even if your dog appears to be fine.

8. Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future choking incidents, keep small objects and potential hazards out of reach and supervise your dog during playtime with toys.