What should you do if a bone gets stuck in a dog's throat? - briefly
If a bone gets stuck in a dog's throat, it is crucial to remain calm and not try to remove it yourself as this can cause further injury. Immediately contact your veterinarian for professional assistance.
What should you do if a bone gets stuck in a dog's throat? - in detail
If a bone becomes lodged in your dog's throat, prompt and appropriate action is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are detailed steps to follow:
-
Remain Calm: It is essential to stay calm and composed. Dogs can sense your emotions, and panic can escalate the situation.
-
Assess the Situation: Quickly determine if the bone is truly stuck or if your dog is simply having difficulty swallowing it. If the bone is stuck, your dog may exhibit signs such as pawing at their mouth, drooling excessively, gagging, or choking sounds.
-
Do Not Try to Remove the Bone Yourself: Attempting to pull out the bone can cause further damage, including puncturing the throat or esophagus. This is a critical mistake that could lead to severe complications.
-
Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Call your veterinarian right away. Provide them with all relevant information about your dog's condition and the type of bone involved. Follow their instructions carefully.
-
Keep Your Dog Calm and Still: Prevent your dog from running around or trying to swallow more food or water, as this could push the bone further down or cause additional complications.
-
Monitor Breathing: Ensure that your dog can breathe properly. If breathing becomes difficult or labored, this is a medical emergency. In such cases, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs:
- Stand behind your dog.
- Place your hands around their waist just behind the ribs.
- Apply firm pressure inward and upward with both hands. This should be done quickly and forcefully, similar to performing CPR.
-
Follow Up Care: After successfully removing the bone or if the veterinarian advises that it has passed naturally, monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or loss of appetite. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek further veterinary care immediately.
-
Prevention: To prevent future incidents, avoid giving your dog bones, especially cooked ones that can splinter and cause obstructions. Opt for safe, veterinarian-approved chew toys instead.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the situation and ensure your dog's safety when a bone gets stuck in their throat.