First Aid for Choking dog
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Emergency First Aid for a Choking Dog
Most dogs will be very healthy and happy all their lives with routine vet visits, vaccination and routine flea and worm treatments. Emergency situations, however, can and will arise if you have animals, so having a basic understanding of what to do and what needs immediate vet care is important. The first thing that any dog owner should do is invest in a book on dog first aid. While the internet is handy it isn't always easy to access, while a book can be carried in a backpack, vehicle or kept in an easy to find location in the home. Since choking is common in dogs and puppies, dog owners really need to learn how to deal with this situation which can be very stressful for both the dog and the owner.
The first symptoms of choking may include retching, vomiting or dry heaving types of behavior. The dog may also drop to the ground and paw at the mouth or throat, often appearing extremely anxious and disoriented, running or walking with the neck distended and head held very high. Choking may be from something in the mouth, throat or in the esophagus, so it is essential to first determine where the obstruction is located.
Often obstructions in the back of the mouth and throat are indicated by the dog pawing at the face, while those lower down in the esophagus cause excessive salivation and panic in the dog. First check the inside of the dog's mouth and look for blood, indicating something lodged, or material that may be causing the obstruction. Remove any visible obstruction gently by pulling upwards but if the object is sharp such as a bone and blood is present it is best to restrain the dog and get them to a vet immediately. Pulling out the object will tear the tissue and cause further complications.
A good idea is to have someone help you hold the dog's mouth open. Avoid sticking your hand into the dog's mouth, they may bite down in pain, rather use a Q-tip or the erasure end of a pencil to try to gently remove the object. If you do have someone that can control the dog's upper and lower jaw you can try using your fingers but only do this with extreme caution and when the dog is fully controlled.
The Heimlich maneuver is the best way to remove objects lodged down the throat. For medium and large sized dogs in a standing position bring one arm around the front of the chest and place your fist at the center part of the abdomen just below the rib cage. The other hand reaches around the dog's body and covers the fist. Thrust up and in with a repeated movement until the object is dislodged or the dog begins to breath. Immediately get the dog to the vet if the object was not ejected from the mouth.
Smaller dogs can be placed with their backs against your chest, your hands in the same position just below the center point of the rib cage. Remember that small dogs will need less pressure and you have to limit the stress you put on the abdominal area to force the object up and out. Content provided by Sharon Kerrigan, look for the cool variety of personalized dog beds and canidae all life stages formula online.
Most dogs will be very healthy and happy all their lives with routine vet visits, vaccination and routine flea and worm treatments. Emergency situations, however, can and will arise if you have animals, so having a basic understanding of what to do and what needs immediate vet care is important. The first thing that any dog owner should do is invest in a book on dog first aid. While the internet is handy it isn't always easy to access, while a book can be carried in a backpack, vehicle or kept in an easy to find location in the home. Since choking is common in dogs and puppies, dog owners really need to learn how to deal with this situation which can be very stressful for both the dog and the owner.
The first symptoms of choking may include retching, vomiting or dry heaving types of behavior. The dog may also drop to the ground and paw at the mouth or throat, often appearing extremely anxious and disoriented, running or walking with the neck distended and head held very high. Choking may be from something in the mouth, throat or in the esophagus, so it is essential to first determine where the obstruction is located.
Often obstructions in the back of the mouth and throat are indicated by the dog pawing at the face, while those lower down in the esophagus cause excessive salivation and panic in the dog. First check the inside of the dog's mouth and look for blood, indicating something lodged, or material that may be causing the obstruction. Remove any visible obstruction gently by pulling upwards but if the object is sharp such as a bone and blood is present it is best to restrain the dog and get them to a vet immediately. Pulling out the object will tear the tissue and cause further complications.
A good idea is to have someone help you hold the dog's mouth open. Avoid sticking your hand into the dog's mouth, they may bite down in pain, rather use a Q-tip or the erasure end of a pencil to try to gently remove the object. If you do have someone that can control the dog's upper and lower jaw you can try using your fingers but only do this with extreme caution and when the dog is fully controlled.
The Heimlich maneuver is the best way to remove objects lodged down the throat. For medium and large sized dogs in a standing position bring one arm around the front of the chest and place your fist at the center part of the abdomen just below the rib cage. The other hand reaches around the dog's body and covers the fist. Thrust up and in with a repeated movement until the object is dislodged or the dog begins to breath. Immediately get the dog to the vet if the object was not ejected from the mouth.
Smaller dogs can be placed with their backs against your chest, your hands in the same position just below the center point of the rib cage. Remember that small dogs will need less pressure and you have to limit the stress you put on the abdominal area to force the object up and out. Content provided by Sharon Kerrigan, look for the cool variety of personalized dog beds and canidae all life stages formula online.
