Every owner should be prepared for any emergency situation. Although we used to think that serious things can happen only in movies or news, in reality even the most ordinary event – for example, when a dog chokes on a piece of food or a toy – can be a real ordeal. That’s why every owner needs to know how to act in such moments to save their pet and avoid panic.
How to realize that the dog has choked
The first signs are visible at once. The animal begins to cough, wheeze, abruptly regurgitate or rub the muzzle with his paws. Breathing becomes heavy, there may be foam, and sometimes – even attempts to run away or fall on the side. If the foreign body is deep in the throat, the dog may wheeze and start panting– then you need to act immediately.
The first thing to do is
Stay calm. Your panic will only scare the dog more.
Assess the situation. If the animal is coughing but breathing, don’t intervene right away. Coughing can help him push the object out on his own.
If breathing is difficult and no air is coming out of the mouth – move to action.
How to help your dog
📍 If the object is visible:
Open the mouth, but carefully – the dog may bite out of fear. If you see a foreign object (like a bone, piece of toy or food), try to gently pull it out with your fingers or tweezers. Don’t push it in any deeper!
📍 If the object is out of sight or deep:
Stand behind the dog, straddle the dog under the rib cage. Press sharply several times under the ribs in a forward and upward direction – this is a variation of the Heimlich technique for dogs. In small breeds, do short but frequent presses; in large breeds, do deeper and slower presses.
If the object fails, gently lift the dog’s hind legs up (so that the head is lower), and gently tap the palm of your hand between the shoulder blades. Sometimes this is enough for the foreign object to come out.
📍 After clearing the airway:
Make sure breathing is restored. If the dog is breathing heavily, wheezing, or remains lethargic, take him to the vet immediately. Even after a successful rescue, the throat mucosa may be traumatized and irritation may remain in the lungs.
What not to do
🚫 Don’t push the object deeper – this will only make things worse.
🚫 Don’t shake your dog by the neck or paws.
🚫 Don’t try to give water – this can block the airway completely.
How to prevent this from happening
Don’t leave your dog alone while feeding, especially if he eats quickly.
Don’t give tubular bones or small objects that can be swallowed.
Choose toys that are just the right size so they can’t be put all the way into his mouth.
If the dog tends to swallow everything – it is worth using slowing bowls or special feeders-labyrinths.
When you can’t do without a veterinarian
Even if you managed to help yourself, a visit to the clinic is mandatory. The doctor will check for scratches in the throat, inflammation or particles in the trachea. In some cases, x-rays or a short anesthesia will be needed to make sure everything is okay.
Dogs are like children: inquisitive, quick and often fearless. And it is the owner’s attentiveness that determines their safety. If you know what to do when a dog chokes, you can avoid panic and save the life of your pet.
All information in the article is based on veterinary recommendations and standards of first aid to animals. But of course it is best not to limit yourself to the knowledge in the article, but to consult professionals for better knowledge.
