5 Best Life-Saving Heimlich Maneuver Steps for Dogs

Dogs are playful animals that love to chew things around them. Sometimes your furry pet will have all sorts of things in his mouth toys, shoes, socks, laces, bones, you name it. That is why all dog owners should learn about the Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving method of treatment in emergency situations when a dog starts to choke.

If you are a dog owner, it is crucial to watch what your dog has in his mouth, as dogs might choke on certain things. You should also know what to do if your dog begins to choke. If anything gets stuck or lodged in your dog’s windpipe, he will begin to cough and choke, and his eyes will protrude out. Furthermore, he will put his paws in his mouth. If you cannot get veterinary help right away, you must try to keep your dog from choking. It is important for your dog’s health that you are able to help at home when an unforeseen situation occurs. But if you are unable to stop the choking, it is recommended to send your dog to the nearest clinic without any delay.

What to do if your dog is choking

If you see your dog is choking and cannot get its breath, do not panic. First of all, check what is inside your dog's mouth or throat. If your dog has a difficult time getting the object out, you must help him. Pull his tongue with your fingers, and take the thing out of his mouth. Be very careful when removing the object, as you could push it farther down the dog’s neck and cause further injury. If you can’t remove the object, you can conduct the Heimlich technique to prevent your dog from choking. 

The Heimlich Maneuver: What You Need to Know

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency procedure for removing an obstruction from a person's airway. You can also do the Heimlich maneuver on your dogs. Don’t panic if your dog starts coughing. As discussed before, it is important to stay calm to perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly. Place your dog in your lap and roll him onto his back. One hand went to his back, steadying him. Place your other hand under the center of his rib cage. Press gently under the rib cage. You have to push inwards and up a few times. If the Heimlich technique doesn’t work, you can attempt another procedure. For this process, lift your dog by his thighs so his tummy faces you. Then gently shake the dog to dislodge the item from its throat. If your dog is large-sized, you need to wrap your arms over your dog's abdomen. Then close your hands into a fist and push up and forward five times. Be careful to shove. If the object does not come out, you can repeat the process (maximum four or five times). If the object is removed, look into your pet’s mouth to make sure there is nothing at the back of his mouth. “It could take a dog a long time to get food out of its mouth. You have to check it thoroughly, as there may be some food hidden deep in the dog’s throat or mouth. It can be tough to find the food item and take it out with your index finger. Be very calm and gentle so your dog does not panic or get anxious. But remember that if your dog ever becomes unconscious due to a blocked airway, you can start rescue breathing and CPR straight away or get emergency medical help.

When your dog ceases to choke

When your dog stops choking, you will feel relieved and comfortable. But that’s not the end of the road. Even if you manage to get the offending object out of your best bud’s mouth, you still need to take them to a vet right away. Choking can injure a dog's throat, although the indicators of injury may not be visible, as they were internal in nature. If your dog has been suffering from long-term breathing problems, your vet may suggest that your dog be hospitalized. They may also suggest a bronchoscopy to seek evidence of injury to the throat.

The Final Word

They say “prevention is better than cure," and this adage is especially true as it pertains to caring for our children and pets. We have to take care of our dogs just like we do with little children. Dogs are like little toddlers; they are naive and don’t know that gnawing on some objects may choke and end their lives. If you have kids in your house, keep their toys out of your dog's reach, as they might be dangerous. You must be sure to provide your dog with food that is appropriate for his size to avoid choking. Lastly, do not give him bones that can readily fit inside his mouth. Many dogs will try to swallow everything that fits in their mouth. As we have already said, if you are unable to help your animal buddy stop choking, take them to a vet as quickly as possible. Such a distressing occasion might be overwhelming, so be cool and ask someone to drive you there. If your dog is panicking, keep talking to him until you reach the vet. Such an incident can happen to any pet at any time. So it is better to be prepared and have an idea of what to do. We hope this blog has helped you know what to do if your dog chokes.

The Dog Heimlich Maneuver: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dog Owners

Dogs love to chew on and explore just about anything they can reach. The Heimlich maneuver for dogs is the first aid offered when a dog chokes on something in its throat and can’t breathe correctly. This first aid can be useful in an emergency case when proper treatment is not available. This procedure doesn’t substitute veterinarian therapy, but it can help clear the airway.

When to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver:

You can perform the Heimlich maneuver by looking for indicators like pawing at the mouth, coughing without sound, fearful facial expressions, or even collapse. If you see any of these signs, you can act immediately.

Detailed Instructions

First, breathe and get your shit together. Carefully open your dog’s mouth and search for the object; if you can see it clearly and reach it safely, gently remove it without pushing it further in.

You can raise your little dog gently up to your chest and create a fist and put it near the rib. Then practice quick and tight upward thrusts.

For large dogs, you can stand or kneel behind them and put your arms over their abdomen. Then put your fist under the ribcage and push in and up to break the chokehold.
Take a moment to see if the thing has been dislodged. If your dog is still having trouble breathing, repeat the maneuver several more times gently.

Also, don't forget to see a veterinarian for other ideas. Choking can sometimes lead to a sore throat or injuries. So a checkup is required to guarantee that your dog’s airway and breathing are completely safe.

How to Avoid It

If you are a new pet owner, always attempt to pick a toy that is the right size for your dog. Dogs love chewing and tasting anything new; therefore, you need to beware of small and hard objects that may cause choking. Keep an eye on their food and swap out dangerous toys.