How to Save a Dog From Choking

Choking can be a life-threatening emergency for your furry friend. Learn how to save a dog from choking in this handy guide. While the main goal of any pet owner is to keep their pup happy and healthy, sometimes it can be tricky to do so when choking hazards lurk around every corner. Preventing your dog from consuming harmful items is essential to their well-being, as oversized bones or pieces of chew toys can lead to choking.

Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs is an important skill to have if you own a pet. Keep reading to learn how to save a dog from choking.

Assess the Situation

Assessing the situation in the event of a choking dog is the first step to saving a dog’s life. The dog may not be able to breathe or may not be responsive. It is important to remain calm and inspect the mouth carefully.
If you can see something lodged in the throat, do not attempt to remove it, as you could further endanger the animal. Fold the dog’s lip to open the mouth wide, using one hand, and place the other hand over the muzzle, raising the dog’s elbow. This helps the mouth open wider.

Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver must be used if an obstruction cannot be removed. Stand behind the dog and make a fist with your dominant hand. Place your fist at the base of the ribcage, and with your other hand, pull up and inward.
Keep repeating this action until the obstruction is released or until the dog stops breathing, in which case CPR will be necessary. If oxygen cannot enter the dog’s throat, the obstruction won’t be dislodged. Earn a Pet CPR Certification | MyCPRNOW by visiting and attending pet first aid training.
Back Blows
A back blow is one method to save a dog from choking. To do this, the owner should pick up the dog and cradle it in their arms. The owner should use a flat surface and then quickly place the back of the dog against it.
The first aid responder should support the dog with their arms. Then with the palm of the hand, the responder should firmly but gently hit the back of the dog between the shoulder blades.
Tailors should be taken not to hit the dog too hard. The downward force should cause air to be expelled if the dog is choking, freeing the obstructing object. The Heimlich maneuver can be attempted if the back blow does not help and also read 4 Things You Should Know About Starting a Cleaning Business.

Seek Veterinary Assistance

If a dog is choking, it is important to seek veterinary assistance immediately. When on the phone, provide the vet with as much information as possible about the incident, such as the dog’s age, weight, breed, and if the choking seems related to any foreign object.
Do not attempt to give your dog any water or food until a medical professional advises you to do so. While on the way to the veterinary clinic, try providing chest compressions by pressing down on the dog’s ribcage and tracing the sternum.

Learning How to Save a Dog From Choking

By following the steps about how to save a dog from choking, you can help save a dog’s life when it is in danger. Always stay calm, assess the situation, and take the necessary steps to clear the airway.
If the choking persists, contact a veterinarian right away. Be prepared to save a dog’s life by understanding the basics of dog first aid.
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