If your dog is choking, act quickly and calmly with the following steps:

Immediate Actions

• Open the mouth and check for an object: Carefully open your dog's mouth and pull the tongue forward. If you see a foreign object, try to sweep it out gently with your finger, being careful not to push it further down the throat

• Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver): If you cannot remove the object by hand, perform 5 rapid abdominal thrusts by applying quick, inward and upward pressure just below the rib cage. This can help dislodge the obstruction

• Suspend the dog by the hips with the head down: If abdominal thrusts do not work, holding the dog by the hips with the head hanging downward may help dislodge the object.
• Avoid muzzling: Do not muzzle your dog, even if they are anxious or panicked, as this can restrict breathing further

If the Dog Becomes Unconscious or Stops Breathing

• Perform CPR: If your dog is unconscious and not breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with about 120 chest compressions per minute, using a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. Continue until professional help takes over

After the Object is Removed

• Seek veterinary care immediately: Even if your dog stops choking, take them to a vet right away. Choking can cause throat damage or other complications not visible externally. The vet may perform further examinations like X-rays or bronchoscopy to ensure no injury or remaining obstruction

Additional Tips

• Be cautious of bites: A choking dog may panic and bite, so handle gently and carefully

• Prevent choking: Monitor your dog’s toys and food size, avoid giving small or breakable toys, and supervise them while eating or chewing

In summary, open the mouth to remove visible objects, perform abdominal thrusts if needed, avoid muzzling, and seek emergency veterinary care promptly. If the dog becomes unconscious, begin CPR immediately