How to Save a Choking Dog

Dog are always picking up objects in their mouths. One of their favorite objects that they play with is a ball. When the ball is too small, they might just get it lodged in their throats, and they are unable to dislodge it. If your dog suddenly starts to run around in circles, or in a wild disoriented manner, he might have something stuck in his throat and is attempting to dislodge it so as to breathe easier.

Steps

1. Look to see if the dog is using their paws as if to get something out of their mouth, or if they are trying to vomit.
2. Notice if they are salavating or whimpering as if in pain. If you have any doubts at all if whether your dog is having problems breathing, immediately call 911 and get emergency help. If you have an emergency number for your Vet, then call them. Just get help right away.
3. Pick up a small dog by their hind legs and try to shake the object out of their mouth.
4. Restrain a larger dog before you open their mouth wide, pull its tongue out with your fingers so you can look into their throat with a some sort of light. If you can locate the obstruction, grasp it and remove it gently.
5. Learn that when you cannot remove the object,turn the dog on its side, place your palms just behind the last rib and give 4 quick thrusts. Recheck the throat. Repeat thrusts if necessary. Call for help immediately if you have not been able to remove it.
6. Remember, that if nothing else helps while you still have not gotten help, perform Heimlich maneuver on him to quickly remove what is blocking their throat .
7. Understand that if you are able to remove the object, make sure that the dog is breathing normally. If not, then start artifical respiration on him immediately.
8. Heimlich maneuver for dogs
   
   
   • Follow these steps to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your choking dog. {The size of the dog will affect the exact positioning of your hands.}
   • Place your arm around the dog's chest letting the head and shoulders hang over it.
   • Close your hand to form a fist and bring your other hand around and cover your fist with it. Your two handed fist should be placed between the dog's lower tummy and its rib cage.
   • Quickly and firmly thrust your two handed fist inwards and upwards.
   • Repeat as often as is necessary to dislodge whatever is blocking your dog's airways. Once you have removed the object and your dog is still not breathing then begin AR (artificial respiration) and if it has no pulse CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Seek immediate medical attention.

Tips

• Before doing any of the steps above, be certain that your dog is actually choking as he just might be having a problem breathing.
• Only if you see your dog put something small into his mouth, and then immediately begin pawing at his face, or throat, trying to vomit or having a breathing problem, should you start the Heimlich maneuver.

Warnings

• The Heimlich maneuver can cause them serious injury if they are not really choking. Do not use it unless you are absolutely certain that they are unable to breathe.