How to Save a Choking Pet

Domestic animals like dogs and cats are naturally curious, and they often express their curiosity by picking things up with their mouths. Because they are low to the ground and able to get up on tables and other furniture, they have ample opportunity to gobble up objects that are choking hazards. It is important to know how to save a choking pet should the emergency arise. Read on to learn how to save a choking pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Save a Choking Small Dog or Cat

1. Look for the obstruction in the animal's mouth. If it is visible, try to pull it out with fingers or tweezers. Be careful not to push it further into the throat.

2. Use a different tactic if manual removal fails. Pick up your pet from behind and hold it firmly, with its head against your chest.

3. Make a fist with the other hand and place it between the animal's rib cage and lower belly. If you have a partner, have her hold the pet in place, then put your other hand over your fist.

4. Perform the Heimlich maneuver by thrusting up and in, using a covered fist if possible.

5. Repeat until the object is dislodged.

Save a Choking Large Dog

6. Try to remove the obstruction with fingers or tweezers, being careful not to push it further into the dog's throat.

7. Have the dog lie on its side if you cannot remove the obstruction manually.

8. Kneel beside the dog so that you are facing its back, and press your knees against its back.

9. Reach over the dog, making a fist with your hand. If you have someone with you, have him hold the dog still for support.

10. Place the fist under the rib cage, above the lower belly, and "hug" the dog, placing your other hand over your fist.

11. Perform the Heimlich maneuver by thrusting up and in.

12. Repeat until the object is dislodged.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure any chew toy you give your pet is big enough that the animal can't swallow or attempt to swallow it.
• Feed your pet according to guidelines established by experts in the field. Human foods such as popcorn, hard candy and peanut butter are inappropriate and even dangerous for most pets.
• Signs of a dog or cat choking are bulging eyeballs, plus a stretching of the neck and lifting of the head as the animal tries to open up the blocked airway.
• Pick up a copy of "The ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care" by David L. Carroll. See the Resources section for a link.
• Be careful whenever putting your hands or fingers into a pet's mouth. Dogs and cats have sharp teeth and surprisingly strong jaws when they want to use them.
• Never give a dog chicken bones or any other small bones that could become lodged in its throat. Small plastic bones are also inappropriate for large dogs. Ask a pet store employee for help in choosing the right size.

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Resources

• The ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care