PET Heimlich:
Learn What To Do If Your Pet Is Choking
Your pet is choking, is there anything that can be done? You may be surprised to know that you approach this situation in a way similar to how you would if it were a human being that was choking. That's right, you use the Heimlich maneuver.
It's not uncommon for dogs to choke. It seems like they are forever swallowing things that they shouldn't, like small balls, toys, bones, and a myriad of other things that they have gotten into behind our backs.
Signs that your pet is choking
Violent pawing or excessive rubbing of the pet's face.
Gasping and gulping of air.
Forceful coughing and retching.
Hyper salivation.
Eyes bulging and wide.
Great agitation and anxiety.
Difficulty breathing or not breathing at all.
If your PET is experiencing any of these symptoms and you suspect that he is choking, you don't have much time. Before you start the Heimlich maneuver, however, you should do the following to make sure that it's use is absolutely necessary:
First you need to restrain the pet. The amount of restraint needed will largely depend on the pet and his willingness to cooperate.
Open the pet's mouth wide to look for the object that is causing the blockage and choking. This is easiest achieved by placing one hand on the upper jaw with your thumb on one side, and the rest of your fingers on the other side. With your other hand, push down on the lower jaw, keeping your index finger free to sweep back into the mouth in order to hold the tongue down and out of the way.
If you can't see well into the back of the pet's throat, you can grasp the pet's tongue with your fingers (or a cloth) and hold the tongue, then gently pull it out of the dog's mouth. Now you should be able to look deeply into the pet's throat with a bright light.
If you can see or feel the object, remove it. Sometimes this is easier said then done, but if there are two of you, one should hold your pet's mouth open, and the other look inside, grasp the object firmly, and gently remove the lodged object.
Thumping both sides of the pet's chest simultaneously with cupped hands may also dislodge the object. This works best if you are able to elevate the rear of the pet and allow gravity to work with you.
If you can't remove it in this way, and you have a small pet, you should try one last method of dislodging the object, since some say the Heimlich maneuver can break your pet's ribs and should not be your first choice. If your pet is small, hold him upside down, with his tail toward your face. Place your arms around his lower abdomen for thirty seconds while gently swaying him. You are trying to use gravity to help you expel the object
If that doesn't work you should proceed to the Heimlich maneuver. There are two basic methods. Both are based on the "people" principle - that thrusts on the diaphragm will dislodge the obstruction with compressed air from behind the object.
Place you pet on his side on a hard surface, tilted with his head down and his hindquarters up. If you can grab a pillow or rolled towel, put it under his hindquarters so the front of his body is lower than his back.
With a small pet, place one hand on his back to steady him and the other under the center of the rib cage and feel for the last rib. Press in and up four to five times in a thrusting motion.
With a large pet you'll need both hands for the thrust, so place both hands beneath the rib cage and feel for the last rib. Press in and up four to five times in a thrusting motion.
Recheck the throat. Repeat thrusts if necessary.
There is also a Heimlich maneuver that does not call for laying your pet down. This method is best used on larger pets and those that won't stay down on their sides.
Stand or kneel behind your pet with his back to your chest.
Grasp his body at the bottom of his rib cage.
With both arms, give 5 sharp thrusts (bear hugs) with firm quick pressure to the abdomen. Perform each thrust as if it is the one that will expel the object. Repeat two to five times.
Stop, check to see if the object is visible in the airway, if so, remove it and give two mouth-nose rescue breaths. If the breaths do not go in, go back to step 1.
There are several other things to consider if your pet is choking. Most importantly you should be prepared for your pet to be confused, dazed, panicked, and in pain. Because of this he is more likely to bite you! Secondly, if your pet loses consciousness do not panic or proceed with CPR, even if the animal goes into cardiac arrest. You MUST clear the airway first.
Hopefully, you will succeed in getting whatever is stuck out of the pet's airway. It is still important to take your PET to the vet to check for laryngeal damage, which could create swelling and thus further obstruction. Knowing these few simple maneuvers could save your PET'S life and will also help you approach the situation with a more knowledgeable and less panic-stricken frame of mind.
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