How To Give A Dog The Heimlich
If your dog is choking, it can be a terrifying experience for both you and your pet. It’s important to act quickly and effectively to help your dog in such a situation. Here’s a guide on how to give a dog the Heimlich maneuver and what to do if your dog is choking.
Recognizing the Signs of Choking in Dogs
If your dog is choking, they may exhibit signs such as coughing, struggling to breathe, making loud breathing sounds, pawing at their face, or appearing frantic or panicked. In severe cases, a choking dog may even become unconscious.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Choking
If you suspect that your dog is choking, it’s crucial to approach them carefully, as they may be anxious and behave abnormally. Check to see if the object can be removed manually by carefully restraining your dog, opening their mouth, and pulling the tongue forward. If the object is within reach, try to remove it with your fingers, being cautious not to push it further into the airway. If the object is just out of reach, you can use the flat side of a spoon to push it closer within reach. However, if your dog is conscious, this may be difficult to perform. If your dog is unconscious with a complete airway obstruction, a veterinarian may instruct you on a technique to perform an extraction. It’s essential to contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if your dog is choking to determine the next steps.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs
If the object cannot be physically removed with your fingers, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver. For smaller dogs, carefully hold your dog on your lap, turn them onto their back, and apply pressure beneath the rib cage. For medium and large dogs, stand behind your dog, wrap your arms around them, and make a fist to push up and forward beneath the rib cage. Repeat this process until the object is dislodged, periodically checking to see if the object can be removed with your fingers.
Heimlich Maneuver for Large and Small Dogs
For large dogs that are standing, you can also try lifting their hind legs in the air to encourage the object to slide forward. For large dogs lying down or unable to be lifted, place a hand on the dog’s back while using the other hand to squeeze the abdomen in and upward. For smaller dogs, in addition to the Heimlich maneuver, you can suspend your dog by the hips/thighs and carefully swing them from side to side.
What To Do After You Stopped Dog from Choking
Once the object has been removed, if your dog is not breathing, give a few breaths like you would during CPR on a person. If there is no response, begin CPR. It’s crucial to follow up with your veterinarian immediately for further examination to ensure that the object did not cause any injury in the throat and to check for any other foreign material in the lungs and airway.
How to Prevent Future Choking in Dogs
While accidents cannot always be prevented, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of choking in dogs. Pay attention to the size of kibble, ensure that baby or child toys are not accessible to dogs, choose size-appropriate and sturdy dog toys, and monitor the size of chew treats to prevent choking hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the signs that my dog is choking?
Signs that your dog is choking may include coughing, struggling to breathe, making loud breathing sounds, pawing at their face, or appearing frantic or panicked.
2. Can I perform the Heimlich maneuver on my dog if they are choking?
Yes, the Heimlich maneuver can be performed on dogs in emergency situations if they are choking and the object cannot be manually removed.
3. What should I do if I suspect my dog is choking?
If you suspect that your dog is choking, approach them carefully, check for any visible obstructions, and attempt to remove the object manually. If unsuccessful, perform the Heimlich maneuver and seek immediate veterinary assistance.
4. How can I prevent future choking incidents in my dog?
To prevent future choking incidents, pay attention to the size of kibble, ensure that toys and treats are size-appropriate and sturdy, and monitor your dog’s chewing habits.
5. What should I do after I have stopped my dog from choking?
After removing the object and ensuring that your dog is breathing, follow up with your veterinarian for further examination to check for any injuries or foreign material in the airway.
6. When should I seek emergency veterinary assistance for a choking dog?
If your dog is choking and you are unable to dislodge the object or if your dog is unconscious, it is crucial to seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately.