Dog: Choking

Choking is interference with breathing caused by foreign material in, or compression on,
the trachea (windpipe).

If the Pet is Unconscious
Perform a Finger Sweep

Open your pet’s mouth and perform a finger sweep by placing your finger along the inside
of the mouth, sliding it down toward the center of the throat over the base of the tongue
and gently “sweeping” toward the center to remove any foreign material. Warning: there
is a structure deep in the throat (the Adam’s Apple) that feels like a smooth bone. Do not
attempt to pull it out!

Begin Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing is described in the CPR article. If air is not entering the lungs, slap the
pet’s chest wall firmly or perform the Heimlich maneuver by putting the pet on its back,
placing your hands over the abdomen near the bottom of its rib cage, and gently, but
firmly thrusting toward the spine. Perform a finger sweep and begin rescue breathing.
Repeat until the foreign body is clear and the lungs can be inflated. Transport to the
veterinarian.

If the Pet is Conscious

Stay calm and try to keep the pet calm. If the pet is overheated, wrap him in a wet towel,
and transport him to the veterinarian. Perform a finger sweep only if it will not excite the
pet.
Frequently, pet owners confuse coughing with choking. Both cause the pet to forcefully
exhale. With choking, the pet has difficulty inhaling. When coughing, the pet can inhale
almost normally. Be careful to distinguish the two: attempting to give first aid to a pet
who is merely coughing can injure the animal.