I hope no one ever has to use this information on their own pets, but it can save a life in an emergency situation. A dog or cat choking on an object can quickly pass out or even suffocate, even if the windpipe is only partially blocked. You may find that dogs have problems with choking more often than cats because dogs love to play and chew, and toys (or pieces of toys) can get caught in their throats.
You may hear gagging, retching, or coughing, and your pet may become panicked.
What do you do first?
Hold the pet with her back against your stomach, head up and feet down. Place your fist in the hollow below her rib cage and pull in and upwards towards your belly and chin. Repeat two or three times, then check to see if the object has come loose into the mouth.
Lay the dog on her side. Kneel behind her with your knees against her backbone. Lean over and fit your fist into the hollow below her rib cage and pull upward and inward, towards the dog's head. Repeat two or three times, then check to see if the object has come loose into the mouth.
If you dislodge the object, most pets will start breathing again on their own. You should probably call the vet and bring your pet in for a check after everyone calms down a little. Some pets will need mouth-to-mouth to help jump-start the process. You can give up to twenty breaths per minute until your pet starts breathing again, or until you reach the veterinarian's.
If you can't dislodge the object, you can repeat the Heimlich maneuver while someone drives you and your pet to the veterinarian.
Thank you for posting this article....by the grace of God I have not had to go through this yet, though my large dog loves rawhide and tennis balls (which he normally breaks in half!) It's funny how we will go through classes for human first aid, but may not think about our pets!
Thanks sooooo much. My cat just got a seed lodged in its throat and I quickly googled it and came to this site. I then performed it. It got unlodged and i reached in and grabbed it.
Thanks sooooo much. My cat just got a seed lodged in its throat and I quickly googled it and came to this site. I then performed it. It got unlodged and i reached in and grabbed it.
Hello Everyone,
About an hour or two ago my doberman pinscher started choking on a piece of meat. After about 3 mins she passed out (her eyes were wide open, her tonge turned blue, and she defacated). I had started performing doggy heimlich on her, and after about a minute the piece of meat came up in her throat. I did a finger sweep down her throat and remove the piece of meat (which had broken into two pieces). After performing mouth to mouth (yes, very gross) for about 30 seconds she started breathing again.
Do not forget to check their throats after doing doggy heimlich, and sweep for the object. Sometimes its too tightly lodged (like in this case), or has broken apart.
I'm still in shock, but she is doing well now. we are taking her to the vet in the morning. I am so grateful to God that she is still here and looking healthy.
