What to do if a dog chokes on a bone or other object

Even a very well-mannered dog sometimes picks up something from the ground and can choke. How do you know if a dog is choking? How to give her first aid? What to do if all these steps do not help? 

The dog choked: how to understand it

Due to the peculiarities of the physiology of dogs, foreign objects rarely enter their respiratory tract, but something may well get stuck in the throat. How can you tell if a dog is choking? 

The first sign of suffocation is the refusal of food and water and saliva flowing from the mouth. If the dog cannot get rid of the foreign object on its own, it starts to squeal, leans down, touches its muzzle with its paws. With severe suffocation, the mucous membranes in the mouth become bluish, the animal rolls its eyes and may lose consciousness.

If your dog is coughing, wheezing, and trying to induce vomiting, it is best to take him to a veterinarian immediately for emergency care.

What can a dog choke on

Both an adult dog and a puppy can choke when eating or while playing. Puppies most often choke on toys and small bones. Therefore, the following items should alert the owner:

• small chicken, rabbit, pork or beef bones;
• dog toys with small parts;
• fruit pits and large pieces of fruit;
• large pieces of any meat with veins;
• socks and small items of clothing;
• chewing gum;
• children’s toys, fishing tackle, especially hooks, spinners and lures.

It is better to put all these items in a safe place and be more attentive to the pet’s nutrition.

Why do dogs choke on food

There are many reasons why a dog chokes on a bone or other food. The main one is the rush to eat. You should train your dog to eat thoughtfully, chewing food thoroughly, and not quickly swallowing the contents of the bowl at a time. If it was not possible to teach, you should feed the animal with wet or dry food that does not contain large fractions. You need to feed your pet at a strictly allotted time and in carefully measured portions, without forcing him to starve.

If there are several dogs in the house, you need to feed them from different bowls and in different places so that they do not have competition for food. You can’t punish a dog by denying it food.

How to help a dog if she is choking

If the pet is choking, and not just coughing or suffering from shortness of breath, you need to follow these steps:

1. Sharply press on the dog’s stomach under the ribs. If pressure helps, then the foreign object will move into the mouth, and from there it is easy to get it out with your hands. You can not use this method if the animal choked on a fishing hook or needle.

2. A small dog or puppy should be picked up by its hind legs and shaken gently. In this case, a piece of food or a toy may fall out.

3. If a foreign object is visible, you can try to pull it out with your fingers or tweezers. This must be done carefully, without damaging the dog’s mouth.

4. Try the Heimlich maneuver.

If all else fails, you must immediately take the pet to the nearest veterinary clinic. Any delay can be fatal.

When a puppy or an adult dog appears in the house, you need to secure the space and remove easily swallowed and fragile items. Fishing tackle is best stored in a locked closet or garage, but not in the public domain. You should consult with a veterinarian about your pet’s diet: if the dog is too greedy for food, you may need to transfer it from natural food to specialized food. 

It is important to always pay attention to the well-being of the dog – timely consultation with a specialist can save the pet’s health or even life.

See also:

• The dog ate a bar of soap: what to do
• The dog began to cough: 6 possible reasons
• Why do dogs vomit after eating?
• How to make your puppy’s home safe