What to do if a dog chokes on something?

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

If your dog is choking, first attempt to dislodge the object by opening its mouth and using your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully remove it. If the object cannot be easily removed, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind your dog, wrapping your arms around its abdomen just below the ribs, and applying firm pressure with quick thrusts until the object is dislodged.

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

If your dog is choking, immediate action is crucial to prevent serious harm or death. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Stay Calm: It's essential to remain calm and composed. Your dog can sense your emotions, and if you're panicked, it may increase their distress.

2. Check the Airway: Open your dog's mouth gently and look for any obstructions. If you see something blocking the airway, try to remove it using tweezers or your fingers, but be very careful not to push it further down.

3. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If you can't see or reach the object, perform the Heimlich maneuver. For small dogs (under 30 lbs), wrap your arms around their belly, just behind the ribs, and apply firm, quick pressure. For larger dogs, stand behind them, place your arms around their waist, and pull up and back firmly. Repeat these steps quickly for about 5 seconds.

4. Check the Mouth Again: After performing the Heimlich maneuver, check your dog's mouth again to see if the object has been dislodged. If it hasn't, repeat the process.

5. Perform CPR: If your dog is still unconscious and not breathing after attempting to dislodge the object, perform CPR. Place your dog on its side on a firm surface. Extend their neck and head gently to open the airway. Close their mouth and blow into their nose once every 3-5 seconds for small dogs and every 10-12 seconds for large dogs. After each breath, listen for a chest rise. If you don't feel a rise or hear any sounds, reposition your dog's head and try again.

6. Perform Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand over your dog's heart (located in the lower half of their ribcage on the left side). Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers. Push hard and fast, aiming for 100-120 compressions per minute for small dogs and 60-80 compressions per minute for large dogs.

7. Seek Veterinary Care: Even if you successfully remove the object and your dog starts breathing again, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Choking can cause internal damage that isn't visible from the outside. Your vet can perform a thorough examination and provide any necessary treatment.

8. Prevent Future Incidents: To prevent future choking incidents, keep small objects out of your dog's reach, supervise them during playtime, and ensure they only chew on appropriate toys designed for their size.