How to Handle a Choking Dog

When a dog is choking on a foreign object, he needs help immediately. The longer he chokes, the more he will panic. Take him to see a vet, but first you should check to see if you can open his airway.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn to recognize the signs of choking. When a dog chokes he will make choking sounds and cough convulsively. His mouth will usually be open and his tongue might be protruding. A dog will often paw at his mouth when he chokes.

2. Open the dogs mouth by grasping the upper jaw with one hand over the muzzle. Use the thumb and a finger from your other hand to press the dogs lips against her teeth and force her jaw open.

3. Insert a roll of first aid tape between the dog's teeth at the front of their mouth to hold the mouth open. Hold his mouth closed around the roll of tape so it doesn't fall out.

4. Using the eraser end of a pencil, or another soft but firm object, work it behind the roll of tape and use a sweeping motion toward the front of the mouth to try to dislodge the item that's stuck. Be careful not to push the object further into the dog's throat.

5. Pick the dog up by the scruff of her neck and her back legs if she is small enough for you to lift. Hold her upside down by her rear legs and shake her to try to dislodge the item. Slapping her on the back might also help the object to fall out.

6. Try the Heimlich maneuver. Get behind the dog and wrap your arms around his abdomen below the rib cage. Give a quick and forceful squeeze.

7. Apply cool moist towels to the dogs chest to help her to breath and wrap her in a blanket so she can't dig and paw at her mouth. Get the dog to the vet as quickly as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• It is never a good idea to put your fingers into the dogs mouth, as you could get bitten.