Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs: How To Use If My Dog Is Choking

Being naturally curious, dogs occasionally let their curiosity lead them to investigate every nook and cranny of their environment, sometimes resulting in chaos. According to a report, over 70% of households in the U.S. have a pet, and a significant portion of veterinary visits involve emergencies, requiring a dog heimlich. Some reports even suggest that at least 2 to 3 pets die every week in the U.S. because of choking and suffocation due to a snack or treat blocking their airway. 

Therefore, if you are a dog parent, then knowing what to do when your dog chokes can save their life. The Heimlich maneuver for dogs is among the most important life-saving techniques. In this blog, we will explain the dog Heimlich technique and its right applications, along with choking signs in dogs. Moreover, you can also get to know some of the advantages of learning the dog Heimlich manoeuvre and the proper technique to save your dog’s life.

What Is The Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs?

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency first-aid procedure used to dislodge something stuck in a person or animal’s airway. Though this procedure is more closely associated with humans, it has been adapted to be used on dogs and other animals as well. The Heimlich maneuver for dogs is a methodology that employs quick, upward thrusts that force an object obstructing a dog’s airway out. 

Choking in dogs occurs when an object, such as a piece of food, a treat, a toy, or even a bone, becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, preventing the dog from breathing correctly. If not relieved promptly, a dog can suffocate, which may result in grave injury or even death. Moreover, it only takes about 3 to 5 minutes for a pet to pass away due to suffocation. Therefore, it is essential to know how to quickly and correctly perform the Heimlich maneuver on dogs in case of emergencies.

Furthermore, the dog Heimlich maneuver varies slightly depending on the size of the dog. Large dogs require a little more forceful pressure on their chest, while smaller dogs need lighter pressure. You need to also understand how to use the right pressure for your dog without causing any harm to their rib cage, especially in cases of smaller dogs. 

Signs of Dog Choking 

Before you learn how to do the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, recognizing the signs of choking in your dog is crucial, as early intervention can prevent serious consequences. Here are a few common signs that indicate choking in dogs.

• Coughing or Gagging

If your dog is coughing or gagging repeatedly with hoarse sounds, it may be an indication of choking. Often, the coughing is a result of the dog trying to dislodge the obstruction using forceful exhalation.

• Labored breathing 

Difficulty in inhaling and exhaling in dogs may indicate something obstructing the pathway where the air should flow. Most often, it shows up as gasping, wheezing, or high-pitched sounds. In extreme cases, some dogs may not produce any sound at all, which would indicate a complete obstruction of the airways.

• Strange Behavior

Strange behaviors, such as pawing at the mouth or face, can be another sign of choking. This reaction is due to your dog trying to dislodge whatever is causing the discomfort. Additionally, if your dog has excessive drooling or is anxious and restless, these may be indications of possible choking.

• Gum Discoloration 

A more serious indication of choking could be discoloration in the gums. Normally, the color of the dog’s gums should be pink, but when obstruction happens, the gums may become blue or pale from lack of oxygen. This would be an important sign because it is indicative of a significant shortage of oxygen for your pet and,  therefore, the need for immediate attention.

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How To Perform The Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs

The thought of having to do the Heimlich maneuver on dogs can be terrifying. However, knowing what to do ahead of time will allow you to act calmly and competently. The size of your dog will affect the methodology, so you will want to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for a large, mid-sized, and small dog.

• Heimlich Maneuver for Larger Dogs (Weighing 60 lbs to 99 lbs)

On larger dogs, Such as Bernese, Newfoundland dogs, Great Danes, etc the Heimlich must be done with a lot of force. Wrap your arms around your dog’s torso, just behind its rib cage. Make a fist with one hand and place it in the region just below the rib cage, above the abdomen. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give firm, quick upward thrusts. These thrusts must be inward and upward toward the dog’s chest with enough force to dislodge the object obstructing the airway. Continue a series of thrusts, then stop to open your dog’s mouth to look for the object. If you see the object and it’s loose, pull it out with your fingers.

• Heimlich Maneuver for Mid-Sized Dogs (Weighing 24 lbs to 59 lbs)

While the method of how to help a choking dog with Heimlich remains the same for all, the force will need to be adjusted based on your dog’s weight and size. Mid size dogs such as Australian Cattle dog, Bulldog, Basset Hound and so on require less force when compared to large sized dogs. You can kneel or stand behind your dog and firmly grasp its body. Place both hands just beneath the rib cage. Next, you will do the inward and upward fist motions as you would for a large dog. Use a moderate amount of force with controlled upward thrusts. After each attempt, open the dog’s mouth to look for the obstruction.

• Heimlich Maneuver for Smaller Dogs (Weighing up to 24 lbs)

Smaller dogs like Pug, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, etc are more fragile, so the pressure must be regulated carefully to avoid any injuries to their internal organs. To perform the Heimlich maneuver on a small dog, carefully place them on your lap and turn them on your back. Gently but firmly, apply pressure beneath their rib cage and push upwards and inwards rapidly. You can do this 5 times and then check whether the dislodged object is visible. If so, remove it with your hands. 

Besides the dog Heimlich maneuver, you can even suspend your dog upside down by holding their hind hips and gently swinging them side-to-side. This will allow the gravity and shaking motion to dislodge the object from its throat so you can remove it easily. 

If after several tries of the Heimlich maneuver on your dog fails and you are still unable to dislodge the object, or if your dog becomes unconscious, immediate emergency veterinary attention must be sought.

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5 Ways in Which You Can Prevent Your Dog from Choking

The knowledge of the dog Heimlich maneuver is just as important to prevent incidents of choking. It can also prevent your dog from having to go through invasive surgeries and even save their life. However, by taking certain steps proactively, the probability of a choking incident occurring to your dog can be reduced.

1. Training

Training your dog to drop items on command is another potential choking prevention method. The “drop it” command would teach dogs to drop whatever they are carrying in their mouths so you can determine whether it is safe. Such training would enable your dog to avoid swallowing something harmful and give you control over a situation when your dog might have something dangerous in its mouth.

2. Monitor Eating Habits

It is also very important to monitor your dog’s eating habits. If your dog tends to eat quickly, consider feeding them smaller portions or using a slow-feeding bowl. These bowls are designed to make dogs eat more slowly to reduce the possibility of choking on big pieces of food. Additionally, always avoid giving bones or treats that are too small and can easily get stuck in your dog’s throat. Treats and bones are the most common choking hazards for your pets.

3. Safety 

Keep all hazardous items, such as rubber bands, coins, and other small items, out of your dog’s reach. These can easily cause choking if your dog swallows them. Furthermore, understanding your dog’s behavior can also allow you to identify possible risks. Some dogs have more tendency to pick up objects off of the floor and chew them, requiring a higher amount of attention and supervision. 

4. Sturdy Toys

Keep small objects like coins, rubber bands, and other choking hazards out of your dog’s reach. When choosing toys for your dog, make sure that they are sturdy enough to withstand your pet’s chewing habit. Many dogs have aggressive chewing habits, so if your dog is one of them, make sure to buy toys that are comfortable for your dog yet extra tough to avoid wear and tear. 

5. Supervising Playtime 

Supervising your dog during playtime is crucial for their safety. Dogs can easily chew through toys, causing small pieces to break off, which may become choking hazards. Always monitor your dog while they play, especially if they tend to chew aggressively. Regularly inspect their toys for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, rips, or loose parts. If a toy is damaged, replace it immediately to prevent your dog from swallowing or choking on small fragments. Choosing sturdy toys and staying vigilant helps ensure safe and enjoyable playtime.

Be Prepared to Save Your Dog’s Life 

The Heimlich maneuver for dogs is something every pet owner should know, as it can save your pet’s life in an emergency. Recognizing the signs, performing the maneuver correctly based on your dog’s size, and taking preventative measures can go a long way in preventing any danger to your pet’s life. Since choking can result in unfortunate accidents, understanding its possible signs and taking swift action is important. 

By learning the dog Heimlich maneuver, you are well on your way to keeping your pet safe. Prevention is the best course of action, but preparedness at such times makes all the difference when one is in a life-threatening situation. However, ensure that you get adequate veterinary care for your dog quickly to help them! So, learn more about the Heimlich maneuver through a first-aid course and respond calmly during medical emergencies.