Just like every babies and toddlers, dogs have a bad habit of putting
anything they find inside their mouths and many times these objects do not
belong there. These objects can range from rocks, coins, batteries,
stationery, undergarments, plastic bags or hearing aids; basically anything
that seems interesting to play with. Sadly and many times the dog
accidentally swallow these small objects which become lodged in his throat.
Choking REQUIRES immediate action. If the object is not removed immediately,
your dog might stop breathing and become unconscious. Do take extra care
when handling an unconscious dog as he may bite on instinct. The most
concerning thing is when trying to remove the object, inexperience owner
(especially when owner is in a panicky mode) might push the object further
down the throat and make the matter worse.
Since this is a common occurrence especially among young dogs. It would be
useful if not necessary to learn the Heimlich Maneuver in helping your dog
from choking. It can definitely save your dogs life.
Heimlich Maneuver: Steps to Save A Choking Dog
If your dog starts choking or have difficulty in breathing, do the following
basic steps:
Take a secure hold of the dog and open its mouth and look at the back of its
throat. If you can see the object causing the choking, remove it. Preferably
have a helper assist you in holding the dogs mouth open while you remove
the object. That way you ll have a better view into the dogs throat
removing the object and not push it further down the throat.
If you can t see the object or its blocking the airway, don t try to pull
the object out. With his fore legs planted on the ground, hold his hind legs
in the air with his head hangs down. If yours is a small dog, pick him up
and hold him by the hips with his head handing down. Sometimes, this
technique will simply cause the object to drop off. Otherwise, you have to
perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
Although Heimlich Maneuver can be performed with the dog in lying side ways
or standing position, I d recommend the latter one as its more effective.
Either method, the steps are very similar.
With your dog standing, elevate his hind legs slightly and hold them between
your knees or shin.
Place one hand just below the last rib and another hand on his back. Press
the stomach in one fluid motion. Squeeze about 4 to 5 times rapidly or until
the object is coughed out.
Double check if the object is completely dislodged. If so, let your dog rest
a moment before taking him to the veterinary for further check-up.
If there is still part of the object jammed inside his throat, strike
between his shoulder blades sharply with an open palm and repeat step 2.
If the remaining object does not come up and your dog is no longer breathing,
you will have to perform artificial respiration or bring your dog to the
veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
