Dog Choking Symptoms & Common Causes

Do you know how to handle it if your dog was choked on a toy and could not breathe? Here, I will guide you through the steps you need to follow to remain at peace and save your dog’s life.

Let’s look at the warning signs your dog might be suffering from choking:

Gasping for air

Big eyes

Gagging

Gums that are pale or blue and tongue color

Unconscious

Below are some steps you need to follow when you suspect that your dog is choking

Finger sweep. If you suspect your dog is gaging or in distress, you should first do one of your fingers in the throat’s back to loosen the object. If your pet is aware, take care of your fingers! Utilize your pointer finger and thumb in your hand that is not dominant and place them in front of your pet’s upper canines (these are their teeth that resemble fangs). Turn their head to the back and allow their mouth to expand. Use the other finger to sweep back the throat, clearing the airway. It is possible to grasp the object if it’s round as an object. Also, be cautious since your dog may be tempted to bite you.

Heimlich Moving. This technique is similar to the one used by humans. You should stand behind your dog when they’re standing. Your hand should be in a fist-like position underneath the dog’s belly. This is just behind their ribs. You can use both hands when your pet is big and has a large chest. Then, you can push the back of your dog, then toward the dog’s head. Repeat this five times. If you can, raise the dog’s backside by lifting your back leg off the ground. If they’re unconscious or lying on their back or their back, roll up a blanket or pillow to lift their back legs off the ground.

Emergency Veterinary Visit. If none of these methods have helped clear your dog’s airways, take him to the nearest vet hospital. If you can, try these techniques while another person drives your dog and you. Contacting the vet while driving can also cut down the time required to get your dog treatment.

Prevention

Choking in dogs is uncommon; however, removing small objects could be beneficial. Based on the size of your dog, marbles, rocks, bones, and ping-pong balls can be dangerous for choking. If your pet consumes food quickly, some bowls are designed to slow their speed. It is a good idea to make sure the ball that your dog plays with to play with isn’t too big to swallow.

I hope you don’t encounter a situation where you have to employ these methods; however, if you are, I hope you will be more prepared for the scenario. Have you ever had your dog choke on something? What was your reaction? I’d like to hear from you in the comments below!