What to do if a dog chokes while coughing and cannot cough up what is stuck?

What to do if a dog chokes while coughing and cannot cough up what is stuck? - briefly

If your dog is choking while coughing and cannot dislodge the object, immediately perform the Heimlich maneuver. Place your fingers behind their ribcage and apply firm pressure to help expel the obstruction.

What to do if a dog chokes while coughing and cannot cough up what is stuck? - in detail

If your dog is choking while coughing and cannot dislodge the object, it's crucial to act swiftly and calmly. Here are the detailed steps you should follow:

  1. Assess the Situation: Ensure that your dog is indeed choking. Signs include persistent coughing, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, the dog may become lethargic or collapse.

  2. Stay Calm: Dogs are very perceptive and can sense your emotions. Remaining calm will help keep your dog from panicking further.

  3. Perform the Finger Sweep Technique:

    • For small dogs (under 30 pounds), pick up the dog and turn it on its side, supporting the head and neck with one hand.
    • For larger dogs, place them on their side on a stable surface.
    • Open the mouth by pressing your thumb on the lower teeth and index finger on the upper teeth to open the jaw. Be careful as an injured dog might bite out of panic.
    • Look inside the mouth for any visible obstruction. If you can see it, try to grasp it with your fingers and pull it out gently but firmly. Do not attempt to remove the object if it is not visible or easily accessible to avoid pushing it further down the throat.

  4. Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver): If you cannot see or reach the obstruction, perform abdominal thrusts:

    • Place your dog on its side.
    • Find the soft spot between the ribs and the hips (this is where the diaphragm is located).
    • Place the flat part of your hand over this area.
    • Push firmly inwards and upwards, applying steady pressure. Repeat these thrusts in a quick succession, similar to CPR compressions.

  5. Check for Success: After each attempt to dislodge the object, check if it has been expelled from the mouth. If successful, praise your dog calmly and monitor its breathing until it returns to normal.

  6. Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if you manage to remove the obstruction, it's essential to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. The object could have caused internal damage that requires professional attention. Additionally, if the object is not dislodged within a few minutes of trying, do not delay; seek immediate veterinary help.

  7. Prevention: To prevent future choking incidents, avoid giving your dog hard treats or toys that can be broken into small pieces and swallowed whole. Supervise playtime with toys to ensure they are not ingesting parts of them.