Choking in dogs is a common veterinary emergency. Dogs can choke on items such as children’s toys, sticks and items picked up on a dog walk, or if something gets wrapped around their neck, such as wire or rope. It is important to act calmly and quickly, as choking can be life-threatening for your dog. Call 24 Hour Vetcare on 020 3143 0999 as soon as you suspect your dog is choking.
What are the signs of a dog choking
If your dog is choking, you may see them display some, or all, of these signs:
- Pawing at their mouth, retching/gagging
- Lips/gums/tongue turning blue
- Coughing or wheezing. If your dog is coughing rather than choking, let them try to clear their throat, so they can try to clear any obstruction
- Difficulty breathing
- In severe cases of dogs choking, they may become unconscious
Essential steps to help a choking dog
Choking is a medical emergency. Seeking immediate veterinary care is important, especially if you can’t dislodge the item causing the obstruction.
If you think you know what your dog is choking on, see if you can safely remove it from their mouth using pliers or tweezers. As tempting as it is, don’t use your hands to do this, as your pet may panic and bite you. Also, don’t hit/apply force to your dog’s throat.
If your pet is unconscious, you can put your hand in your dog’s mouth and try to gently remove an item causing a blockage.
If you are unable to remove the item, take these steps:
- Lay your pet dog on its side.
- Place both hands on the side of your dog’s rib cage
- Firmly and quickly strike your dog’s rib cage with the flat part of your hand three or four times
- This technique should help push the object out. Keep repeating this until the object comes out of your dog.
You may need to perform emergency CPR on your pet, but if this is the case, the vet you speak to when you call 24 Hour Vetcare will talk you through this.
Even if the item comes out, it is advised to see your vet, as part of the item may still be in your dog or your dog may be suffering from cuts or soreness following the choking.
How to prevent choking in dogs
- Keep an eye on anything your dog picks up on a walk. Try to avoid giving your dog/letting your dog pick up sticks, as dogs can swallow small pieces of the stick which break off in their mouth. Sticks can also cause mouth cuts, broken teeth and more harm to your pet.
- Supervise bone/chew time so you can respond quickly if needed.
- If your dog tends to gulp food, you can use a slow-feeder bowl or provide food in small portions.
- Avoid giving your dog toys/balls which are too small for its breed. Our vets can provide advice on appropriate toys/balls.
- Be mindful about children’s toys left on the floor which your dog may pick up.
Aftercare for choking dogs
Choking in dogs can cause a sore mouth or throat, which can take days or weeks to heal. Choking can also cause internal damage. These issues can make eating painful, so to help keep your dog comfortable during its recovery period, you can use a food blender to make your pet’s food smoother/softer. Our vets may also prescribe medication if they feel it is necessary.
Treatment and What to Expect at a 24-Hour Practice
Treatment varies depending on severity and steps already taken by owners.
Our vet will assess your dog and check if the issue is definitely choking or if your dog is experiencing a different issue (such as a respiratory problem).
If your dog is definitely choking and you haven’t been able to remove the object, our vet will try to safely do so. If it can’t be dislodged, a vet may need to sedate your pet and perform a tracheotomy to fit a breathing tube from the neck to the windpipe, allowing your dog to breathe while the object is removed. Other types of surgery may be required to remove the item, but our vets will provide the appropriate care and are the best, and most competent, people to identify any internal damage and advise on next steps.
Keeping Your Pet Safe With 24 Hour Vetcare
Seeking veterinary advice at the first sign of concern if you suspect your dog is choking can protect your pet’s health.
Our 24-hour veterinary team is always ready to provide expert assessment, care, and emergency advice, giving you peace of mind no matter when an emergency arises.
If you have any doubts about your pet’s health, get in touch with our 24 Hour team at 24 Hour Vetcare. With a group of 24-hour vet practices, we offer emergency pet care to owners across the country.
