How to Help a Choking Dog

Your dog is a member of your family, and you would do anything you could to keep him safe from harm. But if your dog started to choke, would you know what to do? Hopefully this will never happen to your precious pet, but it is better to be prepared know than to be heartbroken later.

Instructions

1. Determine whether your dog is choking. If you hear gasping, wheezing or other breathing sounds but your dog is gagging and showing signs of panic and discomfort, you have time to get help. Call your vet and let them know you are on the way. If your dog is not making any breathing sounds or has passed out, proceed to the next step.

2. Attempt to reach the object. If you have a large dog, you can swipe a finger or to into the back of your dog's throat. Make sure he is not choking on his tongue or having a seizure or allergic reaction.

3. Reach into the dog's throat using tweezers or another small object if you have a very small dog. If you are unable to find the object, perform the puppy dog Heimlich maneuver.

4. Perform the maneuver while someone is driving you and the dog to the vet, if at all possible. If you have a small dog, hold his back against your stomach with his head up and back feet towards the ground (as in a standing position). Place your fist just below his rib cage in the hollow area and pull up towards you. Repeat a few times, checking to see if the object has dislodged.

5. Lay a larger dog on his side and kneel behind him with your knees against his backbone. Lean over him and place your fist into the hollow area under his rib cage. Pull up and in, the direction of the dog's throat. Repeat, checking to see if the object has dislodged.

Tips & Warnings

• Your dog may paw at his face, act frantic and try to get your attention if he is choking.

• Even if you dislodge the item en route to the vet, take the dog in anyway to make sure he is breathing properly and everything is okay.

• Don't try to remove anything if you cannot clearly see it in the dog's throat or mouth.