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Doing the Heimlich Maneuver For a Dog

Our dogs are more than just pets — they’re family. And just like any loved one, we want to keep them safe and healthy. One of the scariest moments any dog parent can face is seeing their furry friend choking.

It can happen in an instant: a favorite chew toy, a treat gulped down too quickly, or even something unexpected from the ground. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs in those crucial moments could mean the difference between panic and saving a life.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Saving a Pup

Recognizing the Signs of Choking 

First, it’s important to know what to look for. A choking dog may:

• Paw at their mouth

• Cough forcefully or gag

• Struggle to breathe

• Make high-pitched noises or no sound at all

• Collapse if the airway is completely blocked

If you notice these signs, stay calm and act quickly. (We know firsthand how hard staying calm is in these situations, but we believe in you.) Your dog needs you.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Dog Heimlich Maneuver

1. Check the Mouth: Carefully open your dog’s mouth and look inside. If you can see the object, try to gently remove it with your fingers in a swiping to the side motion (as you would a small child). Be cautious not to push it further down.

2. Wheelbarrow: Hold your dog up by the back legs in a wheelbarrow position. Thanks to gravity, this might help expel the food right away.

3. Hit Between Shoulder Blades: Like with a human being, sometimes striking between the shoulder blades can trigger pressure in the airway that dislodges the item.

4. Abdomen Thrusts For Small Dogs:

   • Hold your dog with their back against your chest.

   • Place your fist just below the ribcage, over the soft part of their abdomen.

   • Give five quick, upward thrusts. Think of it as a gentle but firm push to help expel the object.

5. Abdomen Thrusts For Large Dogs:

   • Stand behind your dog while they are either standing or lying on their side.

   • Place your arms around their abdomen, making a fist just below the ribcage.

   • Push firmly upward and forward with quick thrusts, as if you’re trying to lift them slightly.

6. Check the Mouth Again: After the thrusts, check the mouth to see if the object has been dislodged. Remove it carefully if you can.

7. If Your Dog is Unconscious: Lay your dog on their side and perform the same abdominal thrusts. Check the mouth and begin CPR if necessary.

Aftercare and Veterinary Support 

A vet visit is essential even if you successfully remove the object and your dog seems fine. Choking can cause unseen injuries or complications, and your vet will ensure everything is okay.

Preparation is Key 

The best way to handle emergencies is to be prepared. Consider taking a pet first aid class or keeping a first aid kit at home. Knowing these life-saving skills will give you confidence and help keep your pup safe.

Your quick thinking and love can be a lifeline in moments of crisis. Our dogs trust us with their whole hearts, and by learning how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, we can be ready to protect them when they need us most.

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Vet Recommendation — Prevent Choking

We can’t always prevent all emergency situations, though we can do our best to make them less likely. You can easily prevent choking incidents with your pups at home in a few ways. For instance, not allowing them to have items that aren’t sized appropriately for them. That means taking squeakers away when they’re loose from toys or not letting your giant dog have a small toy they could easily swallow. It’s also a good idea to supervise mealtimes if you can to avoid food choking incidents.

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