What To Do When Your Dog Is Choking – 4 Things That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

When your dog starts choking, things get terrifying really, really quickly. And knowing what to do, vs not knowing is always something I’d advise on.

I’ve taken a couple of first aid classes, and I’ve done a good amount of reading to ensure that should I ever get into that predicament with my dogs (or my clients dogs)? I know what to do and can confidently react.

And, it happened.

The Scariest Situation I’ve Ever Experienced

I was sat after my dinner, and Shelby licked up the tiniest piece of liver she’d dropped on the floor – it was genuinely about the size of a pea – and it started.

She walked over to us a little more and I was watching to see if she’d dislodge it. But she didn’t.

Before I even knew what to do in my mind, I was up and doing it. Having seen what she’d choked on, I knew that I couldn’t dislodge it with a hand in the mouth, and instead, a quick strike behind the shoulders and Shelby’s choking ceased.

The little piece of liver hit the floor.

And Shelby looked at me with the most grateful (if not slightly pathetic face) I’ve ever seen.

All done decisively, with knowledge and skill whilst my husband sat on the sofa, just watching it all go down (because he hadn’t assessed and acted quicker than I could!)

So, here’s 4 ways to help your dog when they’re choking. I’ve separated two at the bottom which are more appropriate for medium/large dogs, but they’re good to know.

4 Ways To Save Your Choking Dog

I find this video to help my clients.

If this doesn’t work – get to the vet fast!

This is really not negotiable and goes without saying. If it’s not working, you load up and you go, as quick as possible. Call them ahead of your visit and even if it’s not your normal vet? You go to the closest vet.

My Recommendation…

I recommend any dog owner, dog carer or similar to take a first aid course.

It will make you more confident and capable to avoid these situations. I know it helped me with Shelby. And if a couple of hours and a little knowledge that may be superfluous but could save your dog’s life… I think this would be a perfect

Remember! The Best Cure Is Prevention!

Whilst these things happen sometimes, and sometimes it cannot be helped, sometimes it can.

Remove any small choking risks, particularly if you know your dog is inclined to picking things up, things like children’s toys, bone fragments etc – all represent choking risks. Anything that is smaller than your dogs jaws? Is a choking risk.

Minimise the risk, and hopefully you’ll save yourself from ever having to do this.

If you need help in setting up your home to be safe for your dog, why not get in touch! Let’s see if I can help.

Link to originalRebarkable

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