HEIMLICH MANEUVER FOR DOGS

What to do if your dog is choking? Here’s how to perform the doggy Heimlich maneuver plus how to keep your dog from choking on toys and treats in the first place.

Dogs of any size will attempt to dislodge any object in their mouths by coughing and lurching forward. Step in to assist when this coughing turns into a gasping sound called a stridor, which is a harsh, abnormal, high-pitched sound. If you hear that sound, your pup needs you calmly to perform the Heimlich maneuver designed for dogs.

Step-by-step guide to performing the Heimlich maneuver for small dogs

For small dogs with airways partially or completely blocked by an object, follow these steps:

1. Stand and hold your dog with his back against your stomach.
2. Hold him up with one arm around his upper abdomen.
3. With your other hand, make a fist (tuck in your thumb).
4. Position your closed fist at the end of ribcage in the soft spot.
5. Thrust your fist in and upward five times in a row on the dog’s exhale to try to dislodge the object.
6. Every five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.
7. Be ready to perform rescue breaths if the dog becomes unconscious. Use your speaker function on your cellphone to alert the nearest veterinary clinic of your arrival as you continue the abdominal thrusts.

Step-by-step guide to performing the Heimlich maneuver for medium to large dogs

For medium to large dogs whose airways are partially or completely blocked by an object, follow these steps:

1. Stand behind your dog if he is standing.
2. With one hand, make a fist and tuck in your thumb.
3. Position this closed fist at the soft spot just past the ribcage.
4. Use your other open-palm hand to hold this fist in place.
5. Thrust your hands up and forward (toward the dog’s mouth) five times in a row on the dog’s exhale to try to dislodge the object.
6. Every five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.
7. Be ready to perform rescue breaths if your dog becomes unconscious.
8. Use your speaker function on your cellphone to alert the nearest veterinary clinic of your arrival as you continue the abdominal thrusts.

How common are dog choking incidents?

Tragically, more than 200,000 choking incidents among dogs and cats occur each year in the United States. Veterinary care to treat these pets tops $500,000 annually, according to veterinary experts.

“A dog in respiratory distress will be a scared dog,” says Dr. Judy Morgan, who practiced veterinary medicine for 36 years. “I saw many choking cases during my career, and some of these cases did not have good outcomes, which is very sad as this is something that is preventable.”

Any dog of any age or size can choke on almost anything. An object gets stuck in a dog’s throat, blocks an airway and renders the dog unconscious. It is a pet parent’s worst nightmare. And it can happen quickly and unexpectedly.

Just ask Ryan Shaw, a certified professional dog trainer! training center in Texas. She was conducting an agility class when one of her students encouraged her small terrier  Calli to nibble on the end of a hot dog she held in her hand.

“Suddenly, Calli ate the whole hot dog, started gagging and two seconds later, she was not breathing,” recalls Ryan. “I learned how to do the Heimlich maneuver in a pet first-aid class. I grabbed the dog, cradled her in my arm and performed abdominal thrusts. I then turned her upside down, hit her sharply on her back about four times and the hot dog popped out and landed on the floor. The dog recovered very quickly and resumed normal breathing, but it all happened so quickly.”

How to prevent your dog from choking

• No toy should be able to fit inside a pet’s mouth, as it can easily cause choking and block the airway.
• Choose tennis balls that are wider than the width of a dog’s jaw so these won’t get stuck inside the mouth during a game of fetch.
• Routinely do a pet safety check in each room of your house to make sure that small objects are not within reach of a curious dog. This includes items such as a plastic container of dental floss or a toddler’s small doll.
• Carefully scrutinize when selecting chews and treats. Safer examples include dehydrated meats, pizzle sticks and soft chews.