Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs: What To Do If My Dog Is Choking

Knowing the steps to take in an emergency can greatly affect the outcome. Here, our veterinarians in Los Angeles discuss the signs and what to do if your dog is choking, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Choking in Dogs

While you can't predict when accidents or emergencies will happen, you can be prepared. Knowing what to do can save you time and give your furry friend the best chance of an ideal outcome. 

Choking is one of the most common emergencies among dogs, as they spend a lot of time chewing on objects. By ensuring the things they chew on are dog-safe, you can reduce the risk of injuries.

Even so, the unexpected may happen. Continue reading below to learn the signs and how to help a choking dog.

Signs of Choking in Dogs

The common signs of choking in dogs can include:

If your dog begins to show any of the signs listed above, please bring them to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.

Causes of Choking in Dogs

It can be difficult to tell the difference between choking and coughing, especially in a high-anxiety situation. An easy way to tell is that when choking, your dog may be unable to breathe. When a dog is coughing, they are taking in the air before expelling it again, making the sound that you hear.

Some of the most common causes of choking in dogs include:

If your dog is choking, you must seek emergency veterinary care immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Choking

If your dog is choking, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. You will be provided with detailed directions for this emergency.

These instructions may include carefully opening your dog's mouth and pulling the tongue forward to see if the object is visible and within reach. Then, if possible, you can attempt to remove the object using your fingers in a sweeping motion. Be careful not to push it further into the airway.

How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver on a Dog

If you cannot successfully and safely remove the object, the next step will be to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Heimlich Maneuver for Small Dogs

1. Carefully hold your dog on your lap and turn them onto their back.
2. Using the palm of your hand, apply pressure right beneath the rib cage.
3. Push firmly inwards and upwards five times in a thrusting motion.
4. Roll your dog back onto their side and check their mouth for the food or object causing the issue.

Heimlich Maneuver for Medium & Large Dogs

If your dog is standing:

1. Put your arms around them and join your hands in front of their abdomen.
2. Make a fist with your hands and firmly and swiftly push up and forward five times in a thrusting motion.
3. Check that the object has been fully dislodged and removed from the mouth.

If your dog is lying down:

1. Place one hand on the dog's back and use the other hand to push or squeeze their abdomen upwards and forward toward the spine.
2. Sweep their mouth to ensure that their airway is clear.

What to Do After the Choking Has Stopped

You should contact your vet immediately anytime your dog has been choking, especially if they've been unconscious at any point. If it is after hours, you can contact our vets or the nearest after-hours emergency animal hospital in Los Angeles. It may be recommended that you bring your dog in for an evaluation to ensure there is no permanent damage or complications due to the choking.

This is because foreign objects have the potential to cause a throat injury that may lead to other serious outcomes. Your vet will ensure that the lungs and airway are free of any other foreign material. They may use X-rays to check the lungs for fluid accumulation or the abdomen for ingested foreign objects.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Contact our veterinarians immediately if your dog is choking or showing other concerning signs. We offer urgent care services during regular business hours, 7 days a week.