How to Act If Your Dog Is Choking: First Aid at Home

Choking in dogs is an emergency that requires quick and calm action. A foreign object lodged in the throat can partially or completely block the airway, putting your pet's life at risk. Here's a guide to the symptoms of suffocation, the difference between partial and complete obstruction, safe first aid steps at home (including an adapted Heimlich maneuver), what to do if your dog loses consciousness, when to urgently go to the vet, precautions to avoid injury, and tips for preventing future choking incidents.

Signs of Choking in Dogs

Pay attention to sudden changes in your dog's behavior and breathing. The most common signs of choking include:

• Dry and persistent coughing or gagging without being able to vomit (1, 2).

• Difficulty breathing: The dog may pant noisily or with forced breaths (2).

• Excessive drooling (thick saliva) with no obvious cause (2, 3).

• Bluish mucous membranes (cyanosis): The tongue or gums may turn bluish or grayish due to a lack of oxygen (4).

• Restlessness or panic: They may frantically paw at their muzzle, become agitated, or even collapse in severe cases (2, 4).

If you notice any of these signs, quickly assess the situation. It's important to distinguish between normal coughing and choking: occasional coughing is not the same as choking, but if the dog shows respiratory distress (bluish mucous membranes, panic, sudden energy drop), it's considered an emergency (4, 5).

Partial vs. Complete Obstruction

• Partial Obstruction: The object partially blocks the throat but allows some air to pass through. The dog will continue to cough or gag and will have obvious discomfort (dry cough, gagging, drooling) while trying to expel the foreign object (6). Although it may seem less serious, a partial obstruction can become complete if the object shifts.

• Complete Obstruction: The object completely seals off the airway. In this case, the dog cannot breathe or cough effectively. It will suffocate quickly, its breathing will stop, and its mucous membranes will turn blue (4). It may lose consciousness in seconds. With these signs (extreme difficulty breathing, very pale or blue gums, sudden collapse), immediate action is required.

First Aid Steps at Home

If your dog shows symptoms of choking, follow these steps in a calm and orderly manner:

1. Stay calm. Your composure will help calm the dog and prevent the situation from worsening. A nervous owner can frighten the animal, causing it to swallow the object even deeper (7). Take a deep breath and proceed with care.

2. Assess breathing. Observe if the dog can cough or make a sound. If the animal can still cough, let it do so for a moment; often, a strong cough is enough to expel the object. Only intervene if the coughing worsens the condition or if breathing becomes severely difficult (5, 8).

3. Inspect the mouth. Very carefully and without fear, open the dog's mouth and look for the object. If you can clearly see the foreign object and can reach it with your fingers or long tweezers without risk, gently remove it (9). Never put your hand blindly into the dog's mouth, as you could push the object further in or get bitten (10, 11).

4. Back blows. If you cannot see or remove the object, place the dog in an upright position or lying on its side and give firm blows with the palm of your hand between its shoulder blades (4 to 5 times) (12, 13). This procedure can help dislodge the foreign object.

5. Heimlich maneuver (modified). If back blows don't work and the dog's condition worsens (it can't breathe or loses consciousness), proceed with the adapted Heimlich maneuver. First, call the vet (while you are leaving the house) so they are prepared. Then, follow the instructions according to the dog's size (see next section). Note: The Heimlich maneuver should only be used in severe emergencies; if done incorrectly, it can harm the dog (14).

6. Check for recovery. If you manage to dislodge the object, make sure the dog is breathing normally. If it is still breathing with difficulty or has been unconscious, begin mouth-to-snout rescue breathing and chest compressions (CPR) if you know how (15, 16).

Each step should be done with caution: avoid sudden movements that could injure the dog or yourself. Only move on to the next step if the previous one was unsuccessful.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

The canine Heimlich maneuver involves compressing the abdomen to force the object out. Follow these instructions based on your dog's size:

• Small dogs (generally <10–15 kg): Place the dog upside down on a table or firm surface (you can help by lifting its hind legs so its head is lower than its body). Gently hold its hind legs or hips to stabilize it (17). With your other hand (a closed fist or palm), apply firm but gentle pressure to the abdomen just below the ribs, pushing up and towards the spine. Perform this compression several times in a row until the object is expelled or until the dog can breathe (18). Gravity (head down) favors the expulsion of the foreign object.

• Large dogs: If the dog is standing, kneel behind it and wrap both arms around its abdomen (19). Form a fist with both hands, place it just below the rib cage (between the breastbone and the shoulder blade), and push forcefully up and in, towards the spine (20). If the dog is lying on its side, you can also place both hands (or a closed fist) under the lower part of the ribs and compress the abdomen towards the spine (21). Repeat several rapid compressions; if the object doesn't come out, alternate with back blows and try again.

Important: The pressure must be decisive but controlled. Do not apply more force than necessary, as excessive force could cause internal injuries (broken ribs, organ damage). The Heimlich maneuver is a last resort; if not performed correctly, it can injure the dog (14).

What to Do If the Dog Collapses

If the dog loses consciousness during choking, act as follows:

1. Call the vet immediately. Even if you start CPR, notify a professional so they can prepare for help or guide you by phone (15).

2. Check for breathing and pulse. Check if the chest is moving or look for its pulse (in the femoral artery on the inner thigh). If it's breathing, keep the airway open and continue to monitor it.

3. Mouth-to-snout breathing: If the dog is not breathing but has a pulse, perform artificial respiration. Cover its muzzle with your mouth (especially in large dogs) and gently blow into its nostrils, watching for the chest to expand (22). Perform one breath every 2–3 seconds.

4. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): If there is no pulse or breathing, begin chest compressions. Place the dog on its right side on a flat surface. Place one or both hands over the chest (behind where the front elbows attach) and compress perpendicularly about 25–35 mm (or approximately 1/3 of the chest thickness) at a rate of 80-100 compressions per minute (16). After every 5 compressions, give one mouth-to-snout breath. Continue until the dog breathes on its own or until veterinary help arrives (15, 16).

CPR in dogs is a delicate procedure and should only be attempted if you know how to do it; otherwise, prioritize getting the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Starting CPR without proper knowledge can cause more harm (15).

When to Go to the Vet Urgently

After any choking episode, go to the vet as soon as possible. This is especially true if:

• You fail to remove the object with at-home first aid, or the dog's condition worsens despite your efforts (23).

• The dog shows severe signs of suffocation: bluish gums/tongue, loss of consciousness, seizures, or respiratory arrest (4, 23).

• The object is lodged very deep, or you believe there is internal damage. Even if you expel the object, remnants may remain, or internal injuries may have occurred. An urgent medical check is recommended to examine the throat and airways (24, 25).

• You have any doubts about the dog's condition after choking or if the animal does not improve quickly.

In short, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you are not 100% sure that you have resolved the emergency, the vet should evaluate the dog as soon as possible (23, 25).

Precautions to Avoid Injuries

When helping a choking dog, ensure your safety and that of your pet:

• Do not approach aggressively. Approach calmly and firmly. If the dog is scared or in pain, it could defend itself. If possible, ask someone to gently hold the dog or put a muzzle or bandage around its snout to prevent bites (26).

• Do not blindly insert objects or fingers. As mentioned, only remove with your hand what you can clearly see. Putting your hand in without control can push the object further in or cause a bite (10, 11).

• Avoid hitting or pressing with excessive force. Follow the step-by-step instructions. Very strong blows to the chest or abrupt compressions can fracture ribs or injure organs (14).

• Protect the dog. During the maneuver, hold the animal carefully (e.g., hips or limbs) without forcing it. If you decide to use gloves, they will protect you from bites; if not, wash your hands thoroughly before handling the mouth.

• Recognize your limits. Some procedures (like advanced CPR) require training. If you feel you could worsen the situation, focus your efforts on getting to the vet as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Choking

Prevention is the best way to avoid scares. Keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Appropriate toys: Choose durable toys of the correct size for your dog. For example, a ball should be large enough that it won't fit entirely in its mouth (27).

• Avoid dangerous objects: Do not give it cooked bones (they splinter easily), fishbones, very soft toys, or broken ones that can snap into pieces (27). Keep small objects (coins, small bones, etc.) and household trash out of its reach (28, 29).

• Supervise play and eating: Watch your dog when it plays with new toys or chews. Teach commands like "drop it" or "leave it" from a puppy, so it will release any dangerous object on the first command (30). With food, give it pieces appropriate to its size: for example, don't give large snacks to small dogs (31, 32).

• Periodically check its items: Frequently examine its toys and chews. If they are worn out or break, replace them immediately with new ones in good condition (33).

• Safe environment: Store medications, batteries, small toys, or any dangerous household objects out of your dog's reach (34).

By following these guidelines, you will greatly reduce the risk of choking (27, 29). Remember that your attention is key: avoid letting them eat or rummage in unsupervised places.

Sources: Information adapted from veterinary guides and specialized articles (1, 4, 7, 26, 35). These recommendations are based on canine first aid protocols and professional advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance in case of an emergency.

(1, 3, 6, 10, 27, 28, 30, 33, 34) ¿Qué hacer si tu perro se atraganta? Guía urgente paso a paso | Patitas&co

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(5, 9, 12, 14, 15, 21, 35) Guía de primeros auxilios para perros: Lo que el dueño necesita saber | Purina US

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