Wellness

Your Dog Is Choking? Don’t Panic—Try These Fast DIY Fixes!

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Small dog at vet with something stuck in throat putting hands in mouth.
Image credit: MDV Edwards, Shutterstock

Dogs are naturally curious, exploring the world with their noses and mouths. But sometimes, their curiosity can lead to danger—chewing or swallowing something they shouldn’t. As much as we wish we could watch over them every second, keeping track of everything our beloved pups might get into is impossible.

Few moments are more terrifying than realizing your dog may have something stuck in their throat or, worse, is choking. The panic and helplessness can be overwhelming. In this article, I’ll guide you through what to do if your dog faces this life-threatening situation, distinguishing between a blockage and choking, and the critical steps to keep your furry friend safe.

While there aren’t true “home remedies” for dog choking, there are crucial precautions you can take to prevent such a frightening event. Understanding these measures could mean the difference between a scary moment and a tragic outcome.

If your dog is choking or has something lodged in their throat, don’t wait. This is a medical emergency—or it could become one in the blink of an eye. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and head to your nearest vet immediately. Your quick actions could save their life.

Is Something Stuck in My Dog’s Throat, Or Are They Choking?

Before diving into what to do when your dog is choking or has something lodged in their throat, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two situations. Like humans, dogs have two critical pathways in their neck: the esophagus (the food pipe) and the trachea (the windpipe). Choking occurs when something obstructs the trachea, preventing air from reaching the lungs. On the other hand, when an object is stuck in the esophagus, it’s more of a digestive issue but can still lead to serious complications if it compresses the windpipe.

Recognizing the distinction between choking and esophageal blockage is vital because the symptoms and urgency differ. Choking is an immediate, life-threatening emergency that requires urgent action, while an esophageal obstruction might present more gradually but still demands prompt attention. Knowing what to look for and acting quickly can save your dog’s life.

Esophagus Blockages

If an object becomes stuck in the esophagus, your dog might initially appear only slightly uncomfortable or even okay. The object might pass quickly. However, esophageal obstructions can lead to many complications if not treated quickly. Foreign objects can cause holes in the esophagus, air or fluid to build up around the lungs, and breathing issues.

There are two types of esophagus blockages:

  • Full obstruction: This occurs when food or water cannot pass down the food pipe. Symptoms usually appear immediately.
  • Partial obstruction: A dog can have something small in their throat and still breathe or drink water as normal. A partial obstruction can be more challenging to spot, and symptoms might take several hours to show.

Like many health problems, the signs and symptoms that a dog has something stuck in their throat can vary. Here are the most common symptoms, but please remember this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Blood in their drool or mouth
  • Decreased interest in drinking or eating
  • Excessive drooling
  • Gagging, coughing, or retching
  • Gulping
  • Lethargy
  • Licking or smacking their lips
  • Pacing or showing signs of discomfort
  • Pawing at their mouth or throat
  • Pain with movement

If you notice these symptoms and suspect your dog has something stuck in their throat, you must immediately take them to your vet. While it may not appear life-threatening at first, even minor obstructions can escalate quickly or cause complications over time.

Dogs with objects stuck in their throat might initially show milder symptoms, such as gulping or drooling, but these can quickly progress if the situation isn’t addressed. Objects stuck in the esophagus or trachea can lead to severe medical issues, including tissue damage, infections, or tears in the throat. If you suspect a partial blockage, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen—prompt action can prevent serious complications.

Dog Choking

Choking is one of the most frightening scenarios a dog owner can face. It occurs when the trachea is blocked, either partially or fully, cutting off your dog’s air supply. Without oxygen, vital organs like the brain and heart can begin to fail within minutes. This makes choking a true medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

The symptoms of choking are often more severe and urgent than those of a blockage in the esophagus. In addition to some of the symptoms listed earlier, choking has a few unique and life-threatening signs:

  • Blue mucous membranes, also known as cyanosis
  • Collapsing
  • Extreme distress
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Rubbing their face against the ground or furniture
  • Silent coughing, gagging, or retching

Everyday objects that cause choking include small dog toys, pieces of bones, rawhide chews, balls, or even household items like bottle caps or plastic bags. Even food can cause choking if your dog swallows it too quickly or inhales while eating. In some cases, liquids, vomit, or other materials entering the windpipe can cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the airways.

If you suspect your dog is choking, it is critical to act fast while staying as calm as possible. Knowing basic canine first aid, such as the Heimlich maneuver, can be lifesaving.

What To Do If Your Dog Has Something Stuck In Their Throat

If your dog has something stuck in their throat, you must immediately take them to a veterinarian. Time is critical in these situations, and while it’s tempting to try home remedies, they are rarely effective and can sometimes make things worse. A trained veterinarian has the tools and expertise to safely remove the obstruction and treat any potential injuries caused by the foreign object.

That said, there are a few crucial steps you can take between discovering the problem and arriving at the vet. Acting quickly and calmly can help stabilize your dog and sometimes even dislodge the object before professional help is available. It’s important to remain level-headed during these moments, as your dog may already be in distress and will respond to your energy.

1. Assess the Situation

Carefully observe your dog to determine the severity of the problem. Is your dog choking, or is the object stuck in their throat but not blocking their airway? Look for signs like difficulty breathing, gagging, pawing at the mouth, or blue gums. If your dog can breathe and swallow, the situation may be less urgent, but you should still contact your vet immediately.

If it’s safe to do so, open your dog’s mouth and look for visible obstructions. You might see a foreign object like a bone, toy, or piece of food lodged near the back of their throat. Be extremely cautious—distressed dogs may snap or bite, even unintentionally.

2. Remove the Object If Possible & Safe to Do So

If you can see the object and it’s easily reachable, you can attempt to gently remove it using your fingers or a pair of blunt-ended tweezers. Do not attempt this if the object is deep in the throat, as you could push it further down.

Use your fingers to gently pull the object out, being extremely careful not to push it further down the throat, as this could worsen the blockage or cause internal injuries. Removing an object is only advisable if it is easily accessible and can be removed without further complications.

Important Safety Notes:

  • Never attempt to remove an object if your dog is highly agitated, aggressive, or showing extreme distress, as this could result in accidental bites.
  • Avoid placing a muzzle on a dog that is choking or struggling to breathe, as it could exacerbate their condition.

3. Perform The Heimlich Maneuver

You may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver if you cannot safely remove the object with your fingers or the external extraction technique. This procedure is designed to dislodge an obstruction by applying forceful thrusts to the dog’s abdomen, encouraging the foreign object to be expelled. The method varies slightly depending on the size of your dog.

Performing The Heimlich Maneuver On Small Dogs

  1. Hold your dog on your lap with their back against your stomach
  2. Using the palm of your hand, apply pressure in the soft hollow of the rib cage, pushing firmly inwards and upwards five times in a thrusting motion
  3. Roll your dog onto their side and check their mouth for the object
  4. If the item didn’t dislodge, repeat

Performing The Heimlich Maneuver On Medium & Large Dogs:

The Heimlich for dogs maneuver technique for medium-to-large dogs is essentially the same as above, with two differences. Instead of using the palm of your hand, clench your fist and apply a bit more pressure to dislodge the item. If you have a large dog, you might be unable to sit them on your lap. So, if you can, try this technique with their rear paws on the floor, standing upright like in this video.

Alternatively, you can also perform this technique when they are standing with four paws on the floor:

  1. If your dog can stand, wrap your arms around their abdomen so your hands meet under their ribcage.
  2. Make a fist and place it in the soft area below the ribcage.
  3. Perform five firm, upward thrusts with your fist.
  4. Roll your dog onto their side and check their mouth for obstruction.
  5. Repeat as necessary until the object is dislodged.

4. Try The eXternal eXtraction Technique (XXT)

While the leading treatment for choking in dogs is the Heimlich maneuver, the eXternal eXtraction Technique (XXT) is a safer, more effective approach for treating an unconscious dog. If your dog is unconscious and the obstruction is a round object, such as a ball, and you can see it lodged in the throat externally, you may try XXT. This involves gently pushing the object down and up in a “J” motion from the outside of the throat to free it.

Watching instructional videos, like this demonstration by a veterinarian, can help you understand this technique better. However, proceed only if you feel confident and safe in doing so.

5. Perform CPR

If your dog becomes unconscious and stops breathing due to choking, you will need to perform CPR immediately. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs when the heart stops beating or breathing ceases. Proper CPR can buy precious time until veterinary care is available. We have a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR on a dog.

Steps for Performing CPR on a Dog

You should perform CPR on a dog when they are unconscious and not breathing. CPR helps pump oxygenated blood around the dog’s body to their brain and other vital organs when it stops beating or is pumping ineffectively.

Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with two rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. Keep doing this until your dog starts breathing again or when the vet can take over.

  1. Lay your dog on their right side on a flat surface.
  2. Locate the heart area by bending their front leg back toward their chest. Where the elbow touches the chest is where the heart lies.
  3. Place one hand over the heart area and the other hand on top for reinforcement.
  4. Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Compress one-third to one-half the width of the chest.
  5. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths:
    • Close your dog’s mouth and extend their neck to open the airway.
    • Place your mouth over your dog’s nose and blow gently until you see their chest rise.
  6. Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and two rescue breaths until your dog starts breathing again or a veterinarian takes over.

Watch this informative video on how to perform dog CPR:

What To Do When Your Dog Stops Choking

If your dog stops choking or you manage to dislodge the offending object, it’s crucial to follow up with a visit to the vet, even if your dog appears to have recovered. While the immediate danger may seem resolved, you cannot be sure about the extent of internal damage caused by the object. Sharp or irregularly shaped items could have caused injuries to the throat, esophagus, or digestive tract that aren’t immediately visible.

Additionally, small fragments of the object might still be lodged further down, posing a risk of infection, internal bleeding, or other complications. Prompt veterinary care ensures these potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate.

Beyond immediate treatment, a veterinarian can assess your dog for signs of stress or trauma resulting from the choking incident. Dogs may exhibit signs of discomfort, such as coughing, gagging, or excessive drooling, even after the object has been removed. These symptoms could indicate lingering irritation or injury that needs professional care. Taking your dog to the vet also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your pet’s airway is clear and no hidden problems remain.

Preventing emergencies like choking is just as crucial as addressing them. Whether at home or on the go, keeping your dog safe requires preparation. If you’re traveling with your pet, having a plan for emergencies is essential. We offer a comprehensive guide on traveling safely with your dog, covering everything from packing a pet first-aid kit to finding nearby veterinary services while on the road.

Ensuring your dog’s safety at all times helps minimize risks and keeps you prepared to act quickly should any unexpected situations arise.

5 Ways On How To Prevent Your Dog From Choking

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of choking, you can take several proactive steps at home to minimize your dog’s chances of getting something stuck in their throat. These measures focus on keeping your home and environment safe, choosing the right toys, supervising meals, being cautious with treats, and teaching essential commands to help prevent choking incidents.

Following these proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of choking and help keep your dog safe from harm. Preventing choking isn’t always foolproof, but following these tips can give your dog the best chance at a safe and happy life.

1. Dog-Proof Your Home

Creating a safe environment for your dog starts with eliminating potential hazards in your home. Much like you would baby-proof your home for a child, it’s essential to dog-proof for your pet.

Begin by removing small objects that could be easily ingested, such as buttons, rubber bands, coins, and small children’s toys. Household items like electrical cords, plastic bags, and plastic packaging can pose serious risks to dogs, as they might chew or swallow them without hesitation. You’d be surprised how many everyday objects—like socks, hair ties, or even the plastic caps from bottles—can become dangerous choking hazards.

Consider your dog’s natural curiosity. Many dogs are known to pick up things they find around the house, whether out of boredom or instinct. Shoes, for example, are often an easy target for dogs, particularly if they smell like their owner.

Ensure all potentially hazardous objects are kept out of reach in cabinets, drawers, or storage bins. This will not only reduce the likelihood of your dog choking, but it will also safeguard them from accidentally ingesting something toxic. A little prevention goes a long way in creating a safe and pet-friendly living space.

2. Choose Appropriate Dog Toys

Selecting the right toys for your dog is essential for both their enjoyment and safety. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their toys. Always choose toys that are suitable for your dog’s size and breed. A too-small toy can quickly become a choking hazard, especially for larger dogs with powerful jaws or puppies who are still teething. On the other hand, toys that are too big may be difficult for your dog to engage with, leading to frustration and possibly destructive chewing behavior.

If your dog is an aggressive chewer, it’s important to select toys that are designed specifically for heavy chewers. Plush toys or delicate squeaky toys may not hold up against a determined chewer and can break apart, leaving small pieces that could be swallowed. Look for durable rubber or tough nylon toys that can withstand rough play. Some toys are also designed to be more challenging to chew apart, ensuring that even if your dog gets overly excited, the toy will remain intact.

Regularly check your dog’s toys for wear and tear. Replace broken or damaged toys immediately to avoid any risk of ingestion.

3. Supervise Meal Times

When it comes to mealtime, supervision is key to ensuring your dog eats safely. Some dogs have a tendency to eat too quickly, which can lead to choking or even bloat—a potentially life-threatening condition. If you notice that your dog is scarfing down their food too quickly, there are several ways to help slow them down.

Using a slow feeder bowl, which has built-in obstacles to make your dog work for their food, is an effective way to prevent fast eating. These bowls can help promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of choking, as they encourage your dog to chew and swallow at a more controlled pace.

Additionally, be mindful of the types of food you’re feeding your dog. Avoid giving them large, hard-to-chew pieces of food, which Fido can easily swallow whole. Instead, break food into smaller, manageable pieces that your pup can easily chew. If your dog is eating kibble, consider wetting it with water or adding a bit of broth to soften it and make it easier to chew.

Mealtime supervision also provides an opportunity to check if your dog has dropped any food on the floor that they might quickly swallow before you can intervene. Staying vigilant during meals ensures your dog’s safety and reduces the risk of choking.

4. Be Cautious With Treats & Avoid Bones

While giving your dog treats is a fun way to reward them, it’s important to be cautious about the types of treats you offer. Certain treats, particularly those that are hard, brittle, or rawhide-based, can break into sharp pieces that pose a serious choking risk. Rawhide chews, for example, are popular but can splinter easily, potentially lodging in your dog’s throat or causing digestive issues. If you do choose to offer rawhide or similar products, always supervise your dog while they enjoy them and replace any treat that has become too small to chew safely.

Bones are another common choking hazard for dogs. Although some dogs love chewing on bones, they can splinter and cause blockages or tears in your dog’s throat or intestines. It’s advisable to avoid giving your dog real bones altogether.

Instead, consider safer alternatives like rubber or nylon bones designed for chewing. These alternatives are much less likely to break apart and are designed specifically for chewing, making them both enjoyable and safe for your dog.

Look for freeze-dried dog treats and other rawhide alternatives, which are usually softer and less likely to cause choking. For example, bully sticks are considered a safer rawhide option. You can even purchase an anti-choking bully stick holder, like this one from Bow Wow Labs, for added protection for your dog.

The proper treats will not only satisfy your dog’s taste buds but also keep them safe from potential harm.

5. Teach The “Leave It” Command

Training your dog with essential commands can effectively prevent choking incidents, particularly during walks or when you’re in the kitchen. One of the most useful commands to teach your dog is “leave it.” This command can be a lifesaver if your dog is about to pick up something dangerous, such as a bone, piece of garbage, or toxic food item.

The “leave it” command teaches your dog to stop what they are doing and move away from whatever is in their mouth or that they are attempting to ingest. Training your dog to respond quickly to this command can help prevent them from swallowing harmful objects that could lead to choking.

In addition to walks, the “leave it” command is also invaluable in situations where your dog may encounter dangerous items in the house, such as food dropped on the floor during meal preparation. Foods like grapes, chocolate, and onions are toxic to dogs, so it’s essential that your dog knows to stay away from potentially harmful foods.

Start training your dog early, using positive reinforcement and treats to reward them for following the “leave it” command. Over time, this command will become a reflexive response, and your dog will be much less likely to pick up dangerous objects on their own, reducing the chances of choking or poisoning.

How Pet Insurance Can Help

Swallowing a foreign object is one of the most frequent pet insurance claims, especially among breeds known for their curious and sometimes mischievous nature, such as Labradors, Beagles, and similar breeds. These dogs tend to explore their environment with their mouths, which can lead to unexpected—and sometimes dangerous—ingestions.

When a pet swallows something they shouldn’t, it often requires immediate veterinary attention, ranging from X-rays and ultrasounds to endoscopic procedures or even emergency surgery. The cost of these interventions can quickly add up, with bills sometimes reaching thousands of dollars, creating a financial strain for pet owners.

Many pet owners invest in comprehensive pet insurance policies covering accidents and illnesses to prepare for such emergencies. These policies typically include coverage for diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, medications, and follow-up care related to incidents like foreign object ingestion. Choosing the right pet insurance policy can provide peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring your pet gets the care they need without delay.

We’ve reviewed some of the top-rated pet insurance providers, offering insights into coverage details, claim processes, and customer satisfaction. Many of these plans are designed to cover accidents like foreign body ingestion as well as illnesses, making them a versatile option for pet owners.

Accident-only pet insurance policies may be a practical choice for those looking for more affordable options. These policies are specifically tailored to cover veterinary expenses arising from injuries, including swallowing foreign objects, fractures, or other unforeseen accidents. While they don’t include coverage for illnesses such as infections or chronic conditions, they are typically more budget-friendly than comprehensive plans. Accident-only policies can be an excellent solution for young, otherwise healthy pets or owners seeking coverage for specific risks without the higher premiums of broader policies.

If you’re considering pet insurance or want to explore accident-only options, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to help you navigate your choices. Our reviews highlight the best accident-only pet insurance plans, comparing costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and customer experiences to help you make an informed decision. Investing in the right policy can save you money in the long run and ensure your furry companion gets timely, high-quality care when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xray of dog head and throat.
Image credit: Henk Vrieselaar, Shutterstock

We know some of our readers still have questions about dogs choking and what to do in this situation. If you have a question I haven’t listed below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll find the answer.

Why Is My Dog Choking?

Thankfully, dogs choking is rare, but dogs choke for several reasons. The most common cause is when a foreign object becomes stuck in the throat. Other causes include brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS), strangulation, and smoke inhalation. A collapsed trachea, which is more common in smaller breeds or senior dogs, can also cause choking.

How Can I Remove Something From My Dog’s Throat?

Only try to remove something from your dog’s throat that you can see and easily pull out. Please do not attempt to swipe or finger-hook an item, as you might push it down further into your dog’s throat and cause further injury. You also need to consider your safety, as distressed dogs often bite. Remember to check the roof of their mouth, as items frequently become lodged there, too.

Can A Blockage In A Dog’s Throat Resolve Itself?

Although it could resolve itself, it could also remain and cause further problems down the line. If your dog has something stuck in its throat, even if it’s not choking, please take it to the vet for an examination.

What Does Dog Choking Look Like?

If you’re wondering what a dog choking looks or sounds like, it’s important to say it’s different for every dog and depends on what the dog is choking on. Dog choking noise differs from a dog cough and is usually more of a strained retching noise, sometimes silent. If you’re unsure whether your dog is choking on something, it’s better to be safe and to see a vet for immediate assistance. When it comes to choking, time is of the essence.

Other Ways To Protect Your Dog In Medical Emergencies

Now you know how to help a choking dog and hopefully prevent them from getting something stuck in their throat. But you can prepare yourself for a pet emergency in several other ways. With years under my belt as a professional dog walker, I know the importance of being prepared for pet emergencies. First, start with a pet first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, styptic powder, a tick remover, and more. You can also consider investing in a detox first aid treatment such as Dr. Cuddles ReadyRESCUE that can prevent different types of dog toxicity. And because you cannot accurately test a dog’s temperature by touching their nose or face, having a dog thermometer is also a must-have at-home tool.

I hope you’ve never experienced your dog choking on something, but if you have and want to share your experience, we’d love it if you could reach out to us in the comments below.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She has a passion for all things dogs and has years of experience as a professional dog walker and sitter. Although she has thankfully never experienced a dog choking, she has passed pet first aid courses and knows how to deal with this medical emergency should it ever happen. Emma works with a dedicated team at Canine Journal to provide their readers with the best and most up-to-date canine content.

Emma Braby

For the last 5 years, Emma has specialized in writing canine content on Canine Journal, sharing her expertise with dog lovers around the world. Her dog knowledge comes from being a dog owner, professional dog walker, time spent traveling around Europe as a dog sitter, and volunteering in her local rescue centers for the last 15 years. Emma currently has two rescue dogs and hopes to adopt as many dogs as her backyard will allow.

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