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One of the scariest things a pet parent can experience is not knowing what to do if your dog is choking. Every year in America, over one million dogs see the veterinarian for incidents related to bully sticks and chews. Fortunately, there are things pet parents can do to prevent emergencies, vet visits, or worse.
For example, famed dog trainer Brandon McMillan recalls a time a dog he was training suddenly got sick and lethargic. He rushed the pup to the vet where they found she swallowed 6 and half tennis balls and needed surgery. Toys and chews may not seem dangerous, but anything that is small enough to fit in your dog’s mouth, it can be swallowed.
In this article, we’ll share pro tips, things to avoid, and what to do if your dog starts choking. Be sure to bookmark and share this article with dog-loving friends and family.
Is Your Dog Choking, Reverse Sneezing, or Gagging?
“In general, reverse sneezing often sounds dramatic (almost like snorting or honking), but your pet is still breathing and typically recovers on their own within a minute or so,” according to Johnna Devereaux, Chief Nutrition Officer, Bow Wow Labs. “Normal (non-choking) gagging usually happens after eating, drinking, or licking something and generally resolves quickly without signs of distress. The latter being key.”
Devereaux says choking in dogs is distinct. Your pet may panic, seem distressed, paw at the mouth, have dilated eyes, and unable to make a sound of breathe. In this case, a complete airway obstruction is likely. This is an emergency because there is no air movement, and it is considered an emergency.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Choking
It can be very upsetting, but Devereaux says the first thing to do is try to stay as calm as possible and quickly assess the situation. You must act fast and follow these steps:
- Check their mouth by carefully opening the mouth to see if you can spot the obstruction. (Just be cautious because a frightened pet may unintentionally bite.)
- If you see something clearly blocking the airway and it’s reachable, do NOT use any type of tool. Only do this if you are certain you won’t push the object further down—try a gentle finger sweep from the side of the mouth to remove it. (Don’t blindly reach or jab into the throat as this can cause more damage or push the object deeper!)
- If you can’t see it or remove it; this is where knowing CPR for pets comes in handy, as you may be able to dislodge it. You need to call your vet ASAP while someone else drives, or if you’re alone, get on your way while calling.
Devereaux indicates that even if you can clear the obstruction, it’s still best to have your pet checked to ensure there was no additional damage. A quick veterinary exam can identify any additional trauma, irritation, or swelling that may have resulted from the event and may not be immediately obvious to you.
How To Prevent Your Pet From Choking
It’s essential to understand your dog and their chewing style. If you have a very aggressive chewer, avoid giving them anything too small. Alternatively, if your dog is a fast eater or inhales everything you provide, avoid chews entirely and offer a lick mat experience instead.
Devereaux says for dogs that are “ballers,” make sure the ball you use is large enough that it cannot fit entirely in their mouth. And for cats, just be cautious and avoid leaving plastic bags lying around.
Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying something edible—even if it’s a treat they’ve had a hundred times before. Dogs can be unpredictable, and even a familiar chew or quick snack can go down the wrong way.
Keeping an eye on them allows you to step in if something goes awry. It’s a simple habit that can make all the difference. Also, use a safety device like the Bow Wow Buddy whenever offering chews like bully sticks, collagen sticks, or cheese chews.
What Are The Most Commonly Choked On Items?
Dogs generally choke on food-related items like bully sticks, cheese chews, collagen chews, tracheas, bones. Devereaux says similar items are especially risky when a dog no longer has the ability to hold the chew between their paws.
“They often put the remaining piece in their mouth and try to swallow it whole.” she says. “But it’s not just food-related items; balls (especially those that are too small and can fit entirely inside a dog’s mouth), sticks, chew toys, and even food packaging and plastic wrap can also become dangerous if a dog chews on them or swallows them because they smell/taste good.”
The risk of choking to cats is associated with non-food items they bat around or chew on such as hair ties, rubber bands, tinsel, string, and small pieces from plastic bags.
Pro Tip: When it comes to both dogs and cats, prevention begins with understanding that they explore using their nose and mouth.
Should the Heimlich Maneuver or CPR be Performed?
“I highly recommend that every pet parent take a CPR course,” Deveraux indicates. “You can find an online course with the American Red Cross at redcross.org, but I believe there is value in in-person training on a pet mannequin. I suggest googling CPR courses in your area if in-person training is something you prefer.”
Common Mistakes Pet Parents Make
These are the things Devereaux says to keep these things in mind regarding pets choking:
- The biggest mistake pet parents make is being too confident about chews and items around their pets, especially dogs with chews and treats.
- Never leave your dog unattended to chew or consume anything. I have a rule in my house: if it can’t be consumed and swallowed by the time I reach the front door and look back to check that it’s been swallowed, it doesn’t get offered to my dog.
- Supervision makes the difference between being able to intervene if something goes wrong and not being able to.
Here’s how pet safety expert Denise Fleck explains how and when to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on pets.
Learn More About Pet Safety
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