How to perform the Heimlich maneuver if the dog is choking

What is it you hear? It’s not your dog suffocating there, is it? You run up to her in fear that part of her lunch is stuck in her throat, and you realize that you don’t even know if the Heimlich maneuver exists for dogs. And if there is, you don’t even know how to do it. Luckily, your dog was fine, he just choked, because, as they say, something “got in the wrong throat.”

But what if you find your dog is really choking? Something can get stuck in his throat or mouth, and it is very important to know how to save the dog if he is choking on food and he is out of breath. Of course, the ideal option would be to take her to the vet or the emergency room, but you can’t wait. You must be able to act immediately to save your pet’s life. And here’s how.

Identifying Signs of Choking in a Dog Before It’s Too Late

Does the dog start to choke? The first thing you might notice if he has a small amount of food stuck in his throat is a cough, as your dog tries to push the object out. She may also have difficulty inhaling, says Banfield Pet Hospital. The dog tries to paw at his mouth or head – another sign that he is choking. An unconscious dog is another very serious indicator that it may have suffocated (or some other misfortune has happened to it).

It is important to pay close attention to these signs, but you need to understand that they can mean something else. Coughing, for example, can be a symptom of a cold, and scratching the face with a paw can mean that something has gotten into the dog’s eyes.

What to do if your dog is choking

If you notice any of the above signs, look into your dog’s mouth, if possible, and check for any food stuck there. Remember that she is scared, and a scared dog can be restless and unpredictable. Be careful approaching her, but remember that you are the animal’s chance for salvation. If you were able to check his mouth and there is food in there, try gently removing it with your finger so the dog can breathe again.

What to do if you can’t get rid of stuck food?

There is a chance that you will not be able to remove what the dog choked on. In this case, you will have to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs. PetMD recommends gently turning the small dog over and applying pressure to the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage. For large breeds, PetMD recommends not picking them up, but wrapping them around her so that they meet at her belly. Then clench your hands into a fist and push up and forward, just like you do with humans.

The PetGuide website has a diagram showing how to hold a dog and suggests the following procedure:

• Grab your dog by its hind legs and lift it up into a “wheelbarrow pose”.
• Wrap your arms around your belly and with both hands press hard five times below your ribs.
• Quickly remove everything that is there with your finger from her mouth.
• Put it in a standing position and tap sharply between the shoulder blades five times.

As a result of these actions, the food should pop out. Be sure to check your dog’s mouth and remove any food that may be left in the back of his mouth so that he does not swallow again what he choked on. PetCoach also offers CPR instructions in case your dog stops breathing and passes out.

Caring for a dog after choking

If your dog is choking and choking, contact your veterinarian immediately, especially if he has lost consciousness at some point. Your veterinarian will probably want to examine your pet right away to make sure the choking hasn’t caused any additional harm to the animal’s body. You love your pet like a member of your family, so you will do everything to keep him happy and healthy.

To prevent this from happening in the future, be sure to keep an eye out for anything that could pose a choking hazard. Dog food is usually formulated with dog size in mind, but if you have two dogs of different breed sizes, chances are your small dog may choke on large breed food if he has access to it. If this is the case, then it might be a good idea to feed them separately until you are sure that your small dog will not touch the food of the big one. However, choking on food can still happen – remember the last time you yourself accidentally got food in your windpipe. So be sure to watch your dog when he eats. Also, be sure to remove anything she might choke on other than food. Children’s toys can often pose a potential choking hazard to your dog, so be sure to put them away. When choosing toys for dogs, make sure that they are durable and that they do not break off pieces that can get stuck in the dog’s throat.

Of course, it is scary to see how a dog is choking, but knowing the signs and what and how to do if your dog is choking, you can save her life and health.