Choking
Choking is a true emergency. Acting quickly and correctly can save a pet's life.
✓Signs of Choking
- Pawing at the mouth
- Visible distress
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue-tinged gums
- Choking or gagging sounds
✓How to Respond
- If the animal can still cough or breathe partially, let it try to clear the object itself — interfering can push the object deeper
- If you can see the object and it's easily reachable, carefully try to remove it with your fingers or pliers, never blindly sweep the mouth
- If the object isn't visible and the animal collapses, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver: for a dog, stand behind it, place your fists just below the ribcage, and give firm upward-and-forward thrusts; for small dogs and cats, use gentler pressure with the animal supported
- Get to a veterinarian immediately, even if the object comes loose, to check for airway damage