You should contact the vet as soon as you notice something is wrong with your dog. In some cases, however, urgent care is needed while waiting for professional help. This is when owners can step in. Knowing what to do in those moments and how to administer dog first aid can save your pet’s life.

Choking dog first aid

There’s a risk of your dog choking at any time, so it’s important to know the signs and what to do. This is our guide to dog first aid for choking.

What are the signs of choking in dogs? They’re finding it hard to breath
A choking sound when they breathe
Pawing at their mouth a lot
Blue lips and/or tongue

It’s essential not to confuse coughing with choking. Performing first aid for choking if your dog is only coughing could be harmful. Choking is usually sudden and very distressing, and if your dog’s lips or tongue are turning blue this usually indicates choking. If you’re unsure and your dog is still conscious, it’s best to focus on getting to your vet as quickly as possible.

How to perform first aid when your dog is choking

1. Look in your dog’s mouth to see if you can see the blockage
2. Only remove it if it’s safe to do so without being bitten or pushing the object down the throat

Typically, if your dog is choking the object will be too far down the throat to be easily removed through the mouth – and reaching into the mouth risks getting bitten, as your dog may panic.

If your dog is choking on a large object like a ball, you may be able to dislodge this externally. If it is safe to do so, lie your dog on their back (you may need assistance) Place your thumbs either side of the base of the throat, just behind the jaw You should be able to feel the object. Apply firm pressure from behind it, pushing it down (towards your dog’s back) and forwards (towards their nose).

If you can’t remove the object: 1. Contact your vet and be on your way to see them 2. Lie your dog on their side 3. With an open palm, strike their rib cage firmly 3-4 times 4. Keep repeating until the object is loose or until you’re at the vets

If you’re unable to reach a vet quickly and your dog is either unconscious or in severe distress with blue gums and tongue, you can also try a modified Heimlich manoeuvre. However, this can be harmful if performed incorrectly, so speak to your vet before attempting this.

For small dogs, pick them up and hold their back to your front, before using your fist to gently but firmly thrust up and into the soft spot just beneath their ribs. For large dogs, lay them down and attempt the manoeuvre using the heel of your hand. If your dog has had an episode of choking and you’ve cleared the obstruction yourself, you should still see a vet urgently to assess your dog for any damage.