Seeing your dog choke is terrifying, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you save your dog if they’re choking, including the finger sweep, the Heimlich maneuver, and what to do if you can’t unblock the airway. Let’s get started!

Recognizing Choking

First things first, how do you know if your dog is choking? Look out for these signs:

It is likely your dog will be walking and gagging without any productivity. It looks like the pre-vomit stance with thrusting but they will not be coughing. Usually they will have a look of distress in their eyes. It's important to ALWAYS watch  your dog when eating, break up any and all treats and food, and monitor them with toys if they tend to eat things.

  • Pawing at the Mouth: Your dog may be trying to dislodge the object themselves.
  • Gagging or Retching: They might make gagging sounds or retch without bringing anything up.
  • Difficulty Breathing: They could be struggling to breathe or showing signs of distress.
  • Blue Gums/Tongue: This indicates a lack of oxygen.
  • Collapse: In severe cases, your dog might collapse.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Stay Calm: Your dog can sense your panic, so take a deep breath and stay calm.
  2. Restrain Your Dog: Gently but firmly restrain your dog. They might panic and become aggressive.
  3. Open Their Mouth: Carefully open your dog’s mouth and look inside to see if you can spot the object.
  4. Don't Panic if you get Bit: Digging around in a dog's mouth is going to cut up your hands, but it's important not to get caught up by your own injury, as it will not be as severe as theirs if you don't get the airway clear.

The Finger Sweep

This should always be the first attempt. Choking usually comes from eating toys or food that is too large to pass down the esophagus.

  1. Perform a Finger Sweep:
    • Use your fingers to try and remove the object.
    • Be careful not to push it further down the throat.
    • Use the finger that is the strongest for you. You will be doing a far reach and need the most dexterity. If you have larger hands: For small dogs, use your pinky finger. For larger dogs, use your index finger.
  2. Check for Improvement: See if your dog starts breathing normally. If not, move on to the Heimlich maneuver. In most cases, one to two finger sweeps should correct the issue and clear the airways.

The Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

If the finger sweep doesn’t work or if you can’t see the object, try the Heimlich maneuver.

  1. For Small Dogs:

    • Hold them upside down by their thighs and gently shake.
    • If that doesn’t work, lay them on their back and apply pressure just below their ribcage. Use the palm of your hand to give 5 sharp thrusts.

  2. For Large Dogs:

    • Stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their abdomen.
    • Make a fist with one hand and place it just behind the ribcage. Your other hand should wrap around your fist.
    • Apply firm pressure with an upward thrusting motion, like you’re trying to lift the dog off the ground. Repeat 5 times.

What If You Can’t Unblock the Airway?

If the airway remains blocked and your dog is still in distress:

To check if your pup is breathing, place a hand on their chest and see if it moves up and down. You can also place a tissue in front of their nose and see if it moves.

Although I don't recommend wasting time to check your dog’s pulse, as it will likely be to stressful and too low to find. The place you can find the pulse to familiarize yourself is inside its inner thigh. You can feel a heartbeat pulsing below the surface. You can also feel a heartbeat if you place your hand where your pooch’s elbow meets its chest.  

If your dog has no heartbeat or is not breathing, you must perform CPR. Make sure you know how to do this ahead of time, read the article.

  1. Continue Efforts: Keep repeating the Heimlich maneuver and the finger sweep.
  2. Call for Help: If you haven’t already, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Explain the situation so they can prepare for your arrival. PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL HAVE MINUTES AT BEST TO GET THEM THERE. If they are not breathing you MUST PERFORM CPR.
  3. Transport Your Dog: If the object is still lodged, you need to get your dog to a vet as quickly as possible. Keep your dog’s head elevated and their airway open during transport.

Aftercare

Even if you manage to dislodge the object and your dog seems fine, it’s essential to take them to the vet. Choking can cause internal injuries or lead to complications that need professional treatment.

Preventing Choking

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe:

  • Monitor Eating: Watch your dog while they’re eating, especially if they tend to gobble down food quickly.
  • Avoid Small Toys: Make sure toys are appropriate for your dog’s size and can’t be swallowed.
  • Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach: Ensure things like bones, small household items, and trash are out of your dog’s reach.

Final Thoughts

Choking is a serious emergency, but with these steps, you can take immediate action to save your dog’s life. Stay calm, act quickly, and remember that getting to a vet as soon as possible is crucial. Your furry friend is counting on you!

Stay safe, and give your pup an extra treat for being such a good dog!