Choking

Condition Overview

Like people, dogs and cats choke if something lodges in their throats or wind pipes. They gag, retch, and cough trying to expel the object and can become frantic when it won't move. Choking can quickly become dangerous if the trapped object cuts off the air supply.

Symptoms

If your dog is gagging and retching but is not experiencing difficulty in breathing, assume a foreign object such as a bone splinter or rubber ball is caught in their mouth or in the back of their throat. See: Foreign Object in throat

All symptoms +

Causes

Dogs are affected most often because they love to play catch and chew, and pieces or toys or sticks can get caught in their throats.

Diagnosis

Choking is evident upon observation.

Treatment

If the dog collapses and is unable to breathe,

1. place her on her side with her head down.
2. Open her mouth, pull out her tongue as far as you can
3. Sweep your fingers from side to side
4. Grasp the object and remove it, if possible.

1. If the Heimlich maneuver doesn't work after a few attempts, try a thrust with an open cupped hand to your pets back - clap him on the back 3 - 4 times in a row. Be sure that his neck stays in a straight line with his back so that there are no kinks in his throat to get in the way. If this technique still doesn't dislodge the object, continue trying this and the Heimlich maneuver in the car while someone drives you to the animal hospital as soon as possible.
2. Once the throat is clear, make sure that your pet starts breathing. If he doesn't, you may need to give artificial respiration.
   • Wrap one hand around your pet's muzzle to close his mouth
   • Place your other hand on his chest to monitor its rise and fall
   • Cover his nose with your mouth, and blow 2 quick puffs into his nose. his chest should move with the air.
   • Continue giving 15 - 20 breaths per minute until he starts breathing on his own or until you reach medical help.

Prevention

You can prevent choking on toys by ensuring the toys are of the appropriate size your your particular dog.

Support

You should still seek a veterinary evaluation even if the choking hazard has been removed. They will be able to determine if the hazard has caused any other potential problems.