It is no surprise that puppies and dogs are inquisitive, mischievous
and playful…and that can sometimes get them in trouble.
Whether snooping about outdoors or in the house, a toy, treat,
food or foreign object of any kind may cause them to choke.
This is especially true for many “toys” that we wrote about
in a recent edition such as rawhide chews and small childrens or dog
toys. It is also a common occurrence with beef bones, chicken
bones, rocks and even food if swallowed hurriedly.
If this unfortunate event occurs it is imperative that you
know what to do and ACT FAST.
BUT…Did you know that you can successfully perform the Heimlich
Maneuver on your dog if she/he starts choking?
Here’s how :
STEPS TO PERFORM THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER FOR DOGS:
((( PRINT THIS OUT AND KEEP IT HANDY))))
Clear Blockages: As soon as you notice your dog
choking, remove her leash, harness or collar if she is wearing one.
Look inside your dog’s mouth, removing any foreign object that
is present. Do NOT try putting your hand down her throat to remove an
object. There are small bones supporting the base of a dog’s tongue.
You must be able to see and identify what is present before trying to
remove it
For small dogs, such as our chihuahuas, if you can’t remove the
foreign object easily, lift her and hold her upside down by her rear
legs with the head pointed down.
If you have a bigger dog, pick up her rear legs and have her
head in a downward position. This may help dislodge a foreign object
lodged in her throat.
You may also try issuing a sharp blow between her shoulder blades with
the open the palm of the hand.
If the item is still lodged:.
Reposition Your Dog: Grab your dog about her waist with her rear next
to you in bear hug fashion with your dog facing away
from you.
Place your fist just underneath your dog’s ribs.
Compress her abdomen several times. Typically this should be done
usually at least three and up to five times to be effective. Perform
rapid pushes in and upward.
Check your dog’s mouth to determine if the foreign
object has been dislodged..
You can try this a couple of times but if the foreign object is
still lodged then waste no further time and RUSH to a veterinary
hospital or pet emergency center. Drive with care but do not expend
any further time trying to handle this yourself as time is of the
essence to save your dog.
If you ARE able to remove the object you should still see your vet
to make sure that no internal injuries or bleeding have occurred as a
result of her choking. While not as extreme an emergency, it is still
critical as internal injuries can be life threatening as well.
References for this piece include Dr. Jon, petplace .com
Dr. Pitcairn, DVM, e-how and wiki online
Note: I am not a veterinarian and this information is for your use as a
reference…but you should rely exclusively on the health advice of
your veterinary or canine health professional… we hope to share with
you some thoughts and initiate your desire to act and become better
informed as your dog’s best friend and guardian 🙂
P.S. Learn how to take care of your dog at home and save money on
veterinary visits. Get a free DVD covering dog health secrets at
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assume we will be compensated. Do your own due diligence.