What to do when Your Pet Chokes

The Basics of the Heimlich Technique

Considering that dogs are quite the curious pets, it is not surprising that they have an uncanny tendency to choke or attempt to swallow just about anything. And this includes the likes of squash/golf balls, small hard bones, cellophane, plastic toys, and rawhide.

How to Know your Pet is Choking

For starters, it is vital to familiarize yourself with some of the mannerisms that are consistent with a choking dog. Usually, the dog is likely to make retching motions, appear panicked and start packing back and forth in a pang of hysteria while pawing furtively at their mouth. What’s more, you’re bound to notice their chest heaving without them making any meaningful airway noises.

What to do – The Heimlich Technique

It is important to act swiftly as soon as you suspect that your doting pet is choking. Start by examining their mouth by pulling their tongue out in an attempt to dislodge any foreign object that could be stuck there. To do this, use your hands to prise their mouth open with one hand firmly placed on the lower jaw and the other on the upper jaw. Then press the pet’s lips over the teeth in such a way you can access the tongue or clear any obstruction from the mouth using your fingers. And if you can’t move the object with your digits, try using a smooth spoon handle to pry it off the teeth or the roof’s mouth.

After this, administer the Heimlich Technique in the following manner.

For Large Dogs:

Straddle the dog between your legs from behind while circling your arms around their body. While at it, make a single-handed fist to place your thumb against the animal’s abdomen – if possible just after where their sternum ends. Now, with the other free hand, grasp and push forward and upwards in a jerking manner. It is important to do this as forcefully and suddenly as you can. Do this about five or six times while checking if the pet’s airway is free, also, dislodge any debris that they may have spit out to restore normal breathing. Repeat this quick procedure two or three times if necessary.

For Smaller Dogs:

Hold the pet in an upright manner with her head and torso up such that their spine /back leans against your chest. Fold a fist with the other free hand and place it firmly against the animal’s abdomen, preferable around where their sternum ends. With the other hand, give the pet five or six rapid inward and forward thrusts. Check the mouth for debris to completely clear the animal’s airway. It is also advisable to attempt rescue breathing if your pet is already unconscious before administering the Heimlich technique.

SOURCES: Pet Coach, Pet MD, Wag Walking