What to Do if Your Dog Is Choking: A Quick Guide

Discovering that your beloved dog is choking can be one of the most terrifying moments of pet ownership. Unlike humans who can communicate their distress verbally, dogs rely entirely on us to recognize the signs and act quickly. Choking is a life-threatening emergency that demands immediate action—every second counts when your furry friend’s airway is blocked.

Whether your dog has swallowed a toy, bone fragment, or foreign object, knowing how to respond could save their life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through recognizing the symptoms of choking, performing emergency techniques, and understanding when professional veterinary care is absolutely necessary. By familiarizing yourself with these critical steps now, you’ll be prepared to act calmly and effectively if this emergency ever occurs.

Pet choking incidents happen more frequently than many owners realize. Dogs are curious creatures with a tendency to investigate objects with their mouths, sometimes swallowing things they shouldn’t. Understanding proper response protocols transforms panic into purposeful action that can mean the difference between a frightening moment and a tragic outcome.

Recognizing the Signs of Choking

The first step in addressing a choking emergency is identifying that your dog is actually choking rather than simply coughing or gagging. While these behaviors can look similar, the distinction is crucial because the appropriate response differs significantly. A dog that’s choking will typically display extreme distress and be unable to clear the obstruction naturally.

Common signs your dog is choking include:

• Sudden difficulty breathing or wheezing sounds — the dog may struggle to inhale or exhale
• Pawing at the mouth — repeated attempts to dislodge the object with their paws
• Inability to bark or making unusual sounds — a silent or strained attempt to vocalize
• Excessive drooling — saliva may pour from the mouth uncontrollably
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue — indicating oxygen deprivation, this is a critical sign
• Loss of consciousness — if the blockage is complete, your dog may collapse
• Panic and distress behavior — thrashing, frantic movements, or seeming desperate

It’s important to distinguish choking from other respiratory issues. understanding critical warning signs helps you determine whether immediate intervention is needed. If your dog can cough forcefully, they’re likely experiencing partial airway obstruction and may clear it themselves. However, if they cannot cough, breathe, or vocalize, complete obstruction has occurred and requires urgent action.

Immediate Response Steps

When you’ve confirmed your dog is choking, your immediate response should be calm but urgent. Panicking will only stress your dog further and may cloud your judgment during these critical moments. Follow these essential first steps:

1. Stay calm and act decisively — Take a deep breath. Your composure will help your dog remain as calm as possible during this traumatic event.
2. Open your dog’s mouth carefully — Gently pry open their mouth to look for the obstruction. Be cautious as frightened dogs may bite reflexively. If you can see the object and it’s easily accessible, try to remove it with your fingers or tweezers.
3. Check the throat — Look far back in the throat for any visible blockage. Small objects might be lodged where you can reach them, but never force your hand too far back as this can push the object deeper.
4. Call your veterinarian immediately — Even if you successfully remove the object, your dog needs professional evaluation to ensure no damage occurred and the airway is clear.
5. Be prepared to perform rescue techniques — If you cannot dislodge the object, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver or CPR.

Understanding what objects commonly cause choking helps with prevention. Certain foods like chicken bones present serious choking hazards, as do small toys, rawhide chews, and foreign objects. If you suspect your dog has ingested something dangerous, you may need to consider options like inducing vomiting, though this must only be done under veterinary guidance.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Dogs

If your dog is unable to breathe and you cannot remove the obstruction manually, performing the Heimlich maneuver may save their life. This technique applies abdominal thrusts to force air from the lungs and expel the blockage. The method differs slightly depending on your dog’s size and position.

For Small Dogs (under 30 pounds):

1. Hold your dog upright or position them in your lap with their back against your chest
2. Place your fist just below the rib cage, in the soft area of the abdomen
3. Grasp your fist with your other hand
4. Press inward and upward in quick, firm thrusts
5. Repeat 5-6 times in rapid succession
6. Check the mouth to see if the object has been expelled
7. Repeat if necessary, but don’t perform more than 3-4 cycles without professional help

For Large Dogs (over 30 pounds):

1. Position your dog on their side on a firm surface
2. Place the heel of one hand just behind the rib cage, in the soft abdominal area
3. Place your other hand on top for reinforcement
4. Apply firm, quick thrusts inward and slightly upward
5. Repeat 5-6 times rapidly
6. Check the mouth for the obstruction
7. Reposition if needed and repeat

Important considerations when performing the Heimlich maneuver: Never perform this technique if your dog is conscious and can breathe, even partially, as it can cause internal injuries. The goal is to dislodge the obstruction, not to harm your dog. If the object is expelled, don’t assume your dog is fine—internal injuries or remaining fragments could be present. Additionally, if you’ve attempted the maneuver multiple times without success, stop and get emergency veterinary care immediately. Prolonged lack of oxygen causes brain damage within minutes.

Some situations may require you to consider making your dog throw up, but this is only appropriate in specific scenarios and must be directed by your veterinarian. Never induce vomiting if your dog is actively choking or if the object is sharp or caustic.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Help

There is virtually no scenario where you should not contact emergency veterinary services during a choking incident. Even if you successfully remove the obstruction, professional evaluation is essential. Your veterinarian needs to:

• Examine the mouth, throat, and esophagus for tears or damage
• Confirm the airway is completely clear
• Check for aspiration pneumonia, which can develop after choking
• Assess for internal injuries from the Heimlich maneuver
• Provide pain relief and antibiotics if needed
• Perform imaging if they suspect fragments remain

Contact emergency services immediately if:

• Your dog loses consciousness
• You cannot remove the obstruction after 2-3 attempts
• Your dog’s gums or tongue turn blue or purple
• Your dog stops breathing entirely
• You suspect the object is sharp, toxic, or caustic
• Your dog shows signs of distress even after the obstruction is removed

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can provide guidance on toxic substances, while your local emergency veterinary clinic is equipped to handle airway obstruction emergencies. Don’t delay seeking professional help because you’re embarrassed about the situation—veterinarians handle these emergencies regularly and want to help.

Aftercare and Recovery

After your dog has experienced a choking incident and received professional care, recovery involves both physical healing and emotional reassurance. Your dog may be traumatized by the experience, so providing extra comfort and patience is important during this period.

Physical Recovery Considerations:

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if the obstruction caused tears or if aspiration pneumonia is a concern. Pain medication might be necessary if your dog experienced trauma to the mouth or throat. Follow all veterinary instructions carefully, administering medications as prescribed and attending follow-up appointments.

Monitor your dog closely for signs of complications during the recovery period. Watch for difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat, excessive drooling, or signs of pain. Some dogs develop esophageal strictures (scar tissue narrowing) after choking, which can cause long-term swallowing difficulties. Report any concerning symptoms to your veterinarian immediately.

Dietary Adjustments:

Your veterinarian may recommend a soft diet for several days or weeks following a choking incident. Wet food is often easier to swallow than kibble. Avoid hard treats, bones, and anything that could aggravate a healing throat. Provide fresh water frequently to aid in soothing the affected areas.

Emotional Support:

Your dog may exhibit anxiety or fear around eating following a choking incident. Some dogs become hesitant about food or develop anxiety triggers. Provide reassurance during meals, offer positive reinforcement, and maintain a calm environment. If your dog develops severe anxiety or behavioral changes, consult your veterinarian about potential intervention strategies.

If your dog has a history of eating inappropriate objects or has experienced choking, discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian. Understanding underlying causes—whether it’s boredom, anxiety, or compulsive behavior—helps prevent future incidents.

Prevention Strategies

The best approach to choking is prevention. By identifying and eliminating choking hazards from your dog’s environment, you can dramatically reduce the risk of this life-threatening emergency.

Common Choking Hazards:

• Toys — Remove toys with small parts, squeakers, or stuffing that can be torn out. Supervise toy play and rotate toys to prevent boredom
• Bones — Avoid cooked bones, which splinter easily. Even raw bones can pose risks for some dogs. Never leave your dog unsupervised with bones
• Rawhide and similar chews — These can soften and become choking hazards. Choose digestible alternatives or supervise closely
• Food items — Grapes, nuts, hard candies, corn cobs, and certain human foods present risks. Store safely and never leave food unattended
• Small objects — Coins, batteries, small toys, hair ties, and rubber bands are common foreign body ingestions
• Dental chews — While marketed as safe, these can sometimes cause obstruction. Choose appropriate sizes for your dog

Understanding which foods are dangerous is crucial. If you’re unsure about what to do if your dog eats chocolate or other toxic substances, contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately.

Safe Practices:

• Supervise eating — Always watch your dog during meals and when they have chews or treats
• Choose appropriate toy sizes — Toys should be too large to fit entirely in your dog’s mouth
• Maintain a clean environment — Regularly inspect your home for small objects that could be swallowed
• Secure trash cans — Dogs are notorious trash raiders; use secure containers
• Educate family members — Ensure everyone knows which foods and objects are dangerous
• Provide mental stimulation — Boredom drives some dogs to chew or eat inappropriate objects
• Know your dog’s habits — Some dogs are more prone to eating non-food items; adjust precautions accordingly

If your dog is a compulsive eater or has a history of consuming foreign objects, discuss this with your veterinarian. They may recommend behavioral modification strategies or dietary changes. Understanding your dog’s individual risk factors helps you implement targeted prevention measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform CPR on my choking dog?

CPR is appropriate if your dog becomes unconscious and has no heartbeat or pulse. However, if your dog is choking and conscious, focus on clearing the airway through the Heimlich maneuver or manual removal of the obstruction. Only begin CPR if your dog loses consciousness and is not breathing. The American Kennel Club provides guidance on canine CPR if you want to learn this critical skill in advance.

How do I know if the Heimlich maneuver worked?

The Heimlich maneuver has worked if your dog begins coughing, breathing normally, or if you see the object expelled from the mouth. After performing the technique, check your dog’s mouth carefully for the obstruction. If your dog resumes normal breathing and behavior, the blockage has likely been cleared. However, always seek veterinary evaluation even if the maneuver appears successful, as internal injuries or remaining fragments may not be immediately obvious.

What if my dog swallowed the object but it’s no longer blocking the airway?

If your dog swallowed an object that’s no longer causing choking but could cause problems internally, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the object’s size, material, and location, your veterinarian may recommend observation, inducing vomiting, or surgical removal. Sharp objects, batteries, and other hazardous items require prompt professional attention. Discuss options like inducing vomiting in dogs with your veterinarian to determine if this is appropriate for your specific situation.

Should I give my dog painkillers after a choking incident?

Only administer painkillers under veterinary direction. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s pain level and determine appropriate medication if needed. Never give over-the-counter painkillers without veterinary approval, as some can be harmful to dogs. If you’re unsure about what painkillers are safe for your dog, always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.

Can dogs choke on their own vomit?

Yes, aspiration of vomit can occur, especially in dogs with swallowing difficulties or those recovering from anesthesia. This is why it’s important to keep your dog’s airway clear and monitor them closely during recovery from any illness or procedure. If your dog vomits and shows signs of difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Is it normal for dogs to cough after choking?

Some coughing is normal immediately after choking or after performing the Heimlich maneuver. However, persistent coughing lasting more than a few hours, coughing with discharge, or coughing that worsens over time could indicate aspiration pneumonia or other complications. Contact your veterinarian if your dog continues coughing beyond the initial incident.

How can I tell if my dog has aspiration pneumonia after choking?

Signs of aspiration pneumonia typically appear within 24-72 hours after a choking incident and include coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, fever, and loss of appetite. Some dogs may show nasal discharge or wheezing. If you notice any of these symptoms following choking, seek veterinary care immediately. Veterinary medical centers can diagnose and treat aspiration pneumonia with appropriate antibiotics and supportive care.