What to do if a dog chokes on saliva?

What to do if a dog chokes on saliva? - briefly

If your dog is choking on saliva, remain calm and perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind your dog, wrap your arms around its waist, and apply firm pressure with your hands just below the ribcage. Repeat this process until the object is dislodged or the dog can breathe again.

What to do if a dog chokes on saliva? - in detail

If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing due to choking on saliva, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Remain Calm: It's important to stay composed so that you can effectively assist your dog. Dogs can sense their owner’s emotions, and if you're panicked, it may increase their distress.

2. Check for Obstructions: Open your dog's mouth gently and look for any visible obstructions. If there is an object blocking the airway, carefully remove it using tweezers or your fingers. Be cautious not to push the object further into the throat.

3. Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs: If you can't see or reach an obstruction, perform the Heimlich maneuver designed for dogs:

   • For small dogs (under 30 pounds): Hold your dog gently but firmly with one hand supporting the back and the other hand wrapped around their belly. Place your hands just below the ribcage. Make quick, firm pressure with both hands in an upward motion to try to dislodge the obstruction.
   • For large dogs (over 30 pounds): Stand behind your dog. Wrap your arms around its waist and make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist just below the last rib, and press firmly into the abdomen with a quick, upward motion. Repeat this process until the obstruction is dislodged or you can no longer maintain consciousness.

4. CPR: If your dog becomes unconscious and you've successfully removed the obstruction, proceed to perform CPR:

   • Lay your dog on its side.
   • Extend the neck and head gently to open the airway.
   • Close your dog’s mouth and breathe into the nostrils once every 3-5 seconds.
   • Perform chest compressions by placing both hands on either side of the sternum and pressing firmly. For small dogs, use one hand; for larger dogs, use both hands. Press down about an inch to two inches, 100-120 times per minute.

5. Seek Professional Help: After performing these steps, even if your dog seems to be breathing normally again, it's essential to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Internal injuries or residual effects from the choking episode might not be visible and could require professional medical attention.

6. Prevention: To prevent future incidents, ensure that your dog doesn’t eat too quickly and monitor their playtime to avoid swallowing non-food items. Keep small objects out of reach and provide appropriate toys for your dog to chew on safely.