How to Revive a Choking Puppy

Puppies can figure out how to get their paws on many household objects that can be a choking hazard. Examples include rubber bands, plastic bags or even discarded bones. Large pieces of food or treats can also be a choking hazard for an exuberant puppy that forgets to chew. A puppy will panic as soon as it starts to choke, so act fast and be mindful that a frightened puppy may lash out if you try to help it. A few steps can help you dislodge an item from a puppy's mouth or, if the animal becomes unconscious, revive the dog.

Instructions

Dislodge the Object

1. Assess whether your puppy can breathe partially or not at all. If your dog is partially breathing, rush him to your vet.

2. Use your fingers to push your puppy's lips under his teeth, if he is not breathing. This will cause him to open her mouth. Pull the puppy's tongue forward.

3. Sweep the inside of your puppy's mouth to try to dislodge the object. If possible, use a pair of tongs to ensure your puppy doesn't accidentally bite you.

4. Perform abdominal thrusts if the object is too far back to reach. With your dog standing, place both hands firmly on either side of your puppy's ribcage and apply firm pressure. If your puppy is too big or has collapsed, administer the abdominal thrusts after laying him on his side.

5. Continue to apply repeated pressure to your puppy's ribcage. Stop to check for the object inside your puppy's mouth every seven to 10 thrusts. Repeat until you successfully dislodge the object.

Revive the Puppy

1. Ensure your dog's airway is clear, then lay your dog on her side.

2. Lift the puppy's chin to extend his neck, then cup one hand around his muzzle to hold her mouth shut.

3. Put your mouth over the puppy's nose and gently blow until you see her chest expand.

4. Allow the air a second to leave her lungs, then repeat the gentle breath through her nose.

5. Continue giving breaths every 3 seconds, or until your puppy begins to breathe normally.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if Pet First Aid classes are offered in your area by local organizations or the American Red Cross. Create an info sheet that lists the phone numbers and addresses of your vet and the nearest animal hospital so that, in the case of choking, you won't have to waste time searching for those details. If you have a large-breed dog, you may not be able to hold his mouth shut while giving breaths. Instead, cut the top and bottom off of a plastic bottle that is just large enough to fit around your dog's muzzle. If you need to perform artificial respiration to revive your dog, slip the altered bottle over his muzzle to hold his mouth shut. Find the right-sized bottle now--before an emergency--and store it in a handy place.

References

• Choking in Dogs
• Pet First Aid
• "Dog First Aid": The American National Red Cross; 2008