Signs Your Pet is Choking
While we may not think about choking as something that happens to pets, it's a very real health hazard that happens more often than you might imagine. It's important for pet parents to know the signs of cat and dog choking so that they can spot the problem right away and take action.
Whether your pet is a cat or dog, if they are choking they will likely display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Distress
- Pawing at the mouth
- Rubbing their face against the ground
- Gagging or retching
- Salivation
- Coughing
- Blue mucous membranes (cyanosis)
If your dog or cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, follow the steps below and contact your vet right away or call your nearest after-hours animal emergency hospital for urgent help.
What To Do If Your Cat or Dog is Choking
Choking requires immediate action! If there are 2 of your present, one person should call a vet right away while the other tries the steps below to help the pet dislodge the object.
Remove the Object if Possible
First, calmly and gently restrain your pet. Choking cats and dogs will struggle, and this can potentially cause them harm. If they are choking because a cord, string or other item is wrapped around the neck, carefully use a pair of scissors to cut it off.
If the cat or dog is choking on something lodged in their mouth or throat, open the mouth to see if you can locate the object. If you can see it, try to swipe it away with your finger.
If you cannot see it, DO NOT poke your finger down your pet's throat in an effort to find it, as this can cause injury. If you can't dislodge the object by swiping it away, do not try to poke it or push on it, as this could force it further down the throat.
Heimlich Maneuver for Choking Cat or Dog
If you are not able to remove the object your pet is choking on, you'll have to do the Heimlich maneuver:
Method 1
- Lay your pet on their side.
- Hold your pet's back against your stomach.
- With one hand, find the soft hollow under the ribs (your closed fist should fit into this spot).
- Use the hand on your pet's stomach to sharply thrust upward and inward towards your stomach two or three times.
- Check mouth for dislodged object.
Method 2
- Stand over your standing pet, and lace your fingers together around the hollow under their ribcage
- Quickly and sharply thrust upwards then release, repeat if necessary
- Check mouth for dislodged object.
CPR
If your pet cat or dog stops breathing, and their heartbeat stops, call a vet immediately and have them on speakerphone as you begin to perform CPR. The person on the call with you can give the guidance and instructions you need in real time.
When performing CPR on your cat or dog, compressions should be at a rate of about 120 per minute. Keep performing the compressions until your pet regains consciousness or until advised by the veterinary professional you are speaking to.
What to do After the Choking has Stopped
If your pet is choking, it's important to take action and remove the object causing the obstruction. However, even if you manage to do so successfully, it's still a good idea to have your pet checked by a veterinarian. Your vet can assess your pet's health and check for any hidden injuries or potential complications caused by the choking incident. By seeking professional help, you can ensure that your furry friend remains healthy and happy for years to come.
Preventing Future Choking
Monitor your dog or cat during play and make sure any toys do not include pieces that could break off and become potential choking hazards. For their own safety, your pet's toys should be too big for them to hold completely in their mouth.
To minimize the chances of your pet choking in the future, make sure to keep an eye on anything that could be a potential choking hazard.
Generally, dog and cat food is formulated with the animal's size in mind, but it's always a good idea to monitor them while they eat. If your pet is prone to gobbling down their food at an alarming rate you may want to purchase a pet food puzzle to help slow them down.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.