What does it sound like when a dog chokes? Surprising Answer

Is there a Heimlich maneuver for dogs?

If your dog has collapsed and cannot breathe, you can try a variation of the Heimlich maneuver for dogs.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver:

For small dogs, hold his back against your stomach (head up, paws down), and find the soft hollow under the ribs. Your closed fist should fit into this spot. Pull up and in two or three times, toward your own tummy, using a thrusting motion.

For dogs too large to lift, place him on his side and kneel behind his back. Place your closed fist in the hollow under his rib cage, and push upward and inward sharply, in the direction of your dog’s head and your knees.

Only ever do this in serious emergency situations, as it can cause damage to the chest, and your dog will need to be checked afterwards by a vet. In most cases, getting rid of the choking obstruction allows the dog to begin breathing again on his own.

Find your nearest clinic for immediate treatment.

What to do if your dog is choking

Quick action is vital when your dog is choking, particularly if there’s a breathing obstruction or constant gagging. Contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now immediately.

While first aid, such as the Heimlich maneuver for dogs, can be tried at home, it should not delay your journey to the vets and should not be continued for more than a minute or two at most as this can be the difference between life and death. Is your dog choking?

Find your nearest clinic for immediate treatment.

Why does my dog keep coughing gagging like he’s choking?

Kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag. There are other infectious diseases that can also cause gagging, and a more severe disease—pneumonia—can sometimes cause gagging in dogs, as well.

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