Choking & Breathing Emergencies

A dog that is choking will often paw frantically at their mouth, gag, make high-pitched sounds, or show blue/purple gums.

What to do:

• Look inside the mouth and throat, if you can clearly see an object and can remove it safely with two fingers, do so

• Do not blindly sweep your fingers down the throat, you may push the object further in

• For a conscious dog: stand behind them, place your hands just below the rib cage, and give firm upward thrusts (canine Heimlich maneuver)

• For an unconscious dog: lay them on their side, open the mouth carefully, look for the object, and begin rescue breathing if needed

• Go to an emergency vet immediately, even if the object is dislodged, internal injury is possible

Never leave dogs unsupervised with: bones that can splinter, corn cobs, toys that can break into chunks, rawhide pieces, socks or underwear, balls that are too small for their size.

Canine Heimlich Maneuver Resources:

• American Red Cross, What to Do if Your Dog is Choking

• American Red Cross Dog & Cat First Aid Course

• AKC, Dog Choking: What to Do & Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs

• Video: Red Dog Blue Kat, Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs and Cats

Breathing Difficulty

Any dog struggling to breathe is in an emergency. Signs include:

• Breathing faster than normal while at rest

• Mouth breathing in a dog that normally breathes through their nose

• Belly "heaving" with each breath

• Elbows pointing outward, neck stretched out (called "orthopneic posture", a dog literally trying to get more air)

• Blue, purple, or white gums or tongue

• Noisy, wheezing, or gurgling breath sounds

Get to an emergency vet immediately. Do not try to calm them with water or food. Minimize exertion, carry them if possible.