What To Do If Your Dog Is Choking?

How do I know my dog is choking?

Signs of choking include gagging or retching without producing anything, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, panicking or pacing, making high-pitched or squeaking sounds, difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums or tongue (indicating oxygen deprivation), and collapsing. Choking is different from reverse sneezing (which sounds alarming but resolves on its own) and coughing (which usually means the airway isn't fully blocked). If your dog is making normal coughing sounds and can still breathe, let them try to clear it on their own. If they can't breathe or are in obvious distress, intervene immediately.

What should I do first?

Stay calm and restrain your dog gently. Open their mouth carefully and look for a visible object. If you can see it and safely reach it with your fingers, try to sweep it out. Be very careful; reaching blindly into a panicked dog's mouth risks being bitten and can push the object deeper. If the object isn't visible or can't be reached, move to the Heimlich maneuver. Do not spend more than a few seconds checking the mouth if the dog can't breathe; time is critical.

How do I perform the Heimlich on a dog?

For medium to large dogs: stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their belly just below the ribcage. Make a fist with one hand and cover it with your other hand. Give 3 to 5 firm, quick upward thrusts into the abdomen, pushing up and forward toward the spine. Check the mouth after each set of thrusts for a dislodged object. For small dogs: hold them with their back against your chest and use two fingers to apply abdominal thrusts in the same upward direction. For any size dog, if the object doesn't come free after several attempts, get to the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately while continuing to try.

What happens after the object is removed?

Even if you successfully remove the object, a vet visit is recommended. The choking episode may have caused damage to the throat, trachea, or soft palate. The Heimlich maneuver itself can bruise internal organs. And if a piece of the object broke off, it may still be lodged somewhere. Your vet can examine your dog, check for injuries, and make sure the airway is completely clear. Going forward, evaluate what caused the choking (a toy, a bone, a piece of food) and remove or replace the hazard.