How to Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver

By Kristie Leong M.D.

The Heimlich maneuver could save your dog's life. The Heimlich maneuver could save your dog's life.

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If your dog is choking, time is of essence. By understanding how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog, you could potentially save his life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver

Step1
First, assess whether your dog is actually choking. Sometimes respiratory problems other than airway obstruction can be interpreted as choking. You don't want to perform the dog Heimlich maneuver on a dog that's not choking due to the potential for injury to the dog.
Step2
Once you're satisfied that you dog is choking, open his mouth and remove any obvious foreign body that might be causing obstruction.
Step3
Grasp your dog around his waist and place your fists beneath his last ribs.
Step4
With your hands in position, deliver three firm abdominal compressions and release them quickly.
Step5
Check your dog's mouth again for any foreign body that may have been dislodged. If found, remove it.
Step6
If your dog is still choking, you may repeat this process up to three times.
Step7
If you're unable to remove the obstruction with the above maneuver, seek medical attention immediately at your nearest veterinary emergency room.
Step8
If you're able to successfully remove the obstruction, reassess your dog's breathing. If your dog is not moving air, perform mouth to mouth resuscitation on your dog.
Step9
Your dog will still need to be seen by his veterinarian even if the obstruction is successfully removed. A foreign body can sometimes damage the delicate passages of the throat or esophagus. Make arrangements for your dog to be transported immediately for medical attention.

Tips & Warnings

  • Avoid giving your dog rawhides or chicken bones that may become lodged in his throat and cause obstruction. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a bone.
  • The Heimlich maneuver has the potential to cause injury to internal organs or broken ribs.

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eHow Article:  How to Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver

eHow Member: Kristie Leong M.D.

Kristie Leong M.D.

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Category: Pets

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