First Aid For Dogs – How To Save A Choking Dog
Dogs sometimes have a bad habit of putting anything they find inside their mouths. Actually, let me correct that statement, dogs always seem to find a way to put objects in their mouth that do not belong there! They tend to pick up all types of stuff, ranging from balls to rocks, small toys to articles of clothing, basically anything they deem fun to play with.
Unfortunately, there are many times when a dog accidentally swallows these objects and it becomes lodged in his throat. If this object is not removed immediately then there is the chance for the animal to stop breathing and become unconscious.
Since this occurrence is very common with all pets, it would behoove of you to learn the basic moves that it takes to help your dog from choking. This can invariably save the life of your pet.
Below are basic First Aid steps which can come in handy for a choking dog:
If Your Dog Is Choking, But Remains Conscious
1. With two hands, open your dog’s mouth and look inside to see if you can see the object. If you can see it, try your best to remove it.
2. If you cannot see the object, place your dog on its side and elevate the hindquarters.
3. Now place your hand below the rib cage and another on the dog’s back. Press in and then up, all in one fluid motion. Keep pressing until the object is coughed up.
4. If the object does not come up then your dog may become unconscious. If this happens, then follow the steps below.
If Your Dog Becomes Unconscious
1. As stated above, be sure that the dog is placed on his side with elevated hindquarters.
2. Open the airway and be sure the tongue is pulled out as far as possible and placed to the side.
3. Now perform several compressions in the same area that you had attempted to press in the rib cage. After two to three compressions, check the mouth for any foreign objects by using the sweep of your finger.
4. Now give the dog a few breaths.
5. Repeat this cycle of compressions, finger sweeps, and artificial respiration breaths until your dog starts breathing by himself and dislodges the object.
First Aid For Dogs with Respiratory Problems
One of the most dangerous things that could happen is when someone stops breathing. The truth to this is undisputable and even rather obvious for anyone reading it, but interestingly this is something that dog owners rarely think about in relation to their dog. What would you do if your dog stopped breathing? Or, even began choking? No, panic is not the answer I was looking for!
The most common reason for respiratory problems in dogs is some type of blockage in the airways. For instance, there is a good chance that a dog will swallow his tongue if he somehow knocks himself unconscious. Should this happen, you must clear the airway with first aid for dogs and attempt to get him breathing again.
First aid for dogs pertaining to the respiratory system is, actually, fairly similar to first aid used with humans. Listen to the heartbeat, feel for a pulse and look for any respiration signs. In fact, artificial respiration is something to consider in first aid for dogs. Applying a combination of both a heart massage and the kiss of life can be equally effective in saving a dog’s life as it can on a human. For respiratory problems, first aid is fairly similar.
However, you should not attempt artificial respiration when giving first aid for dogs if you suspect poison has been used. Trying to resuscitate your dog when poison has been used puts you in danger. Always take your dog to the vet after you have given first aid for respiratory difficulties. But, when poison could be involved, always take him or her to the vest before administering first aid. Go ahead and try the heart massage technique but stay away from the mouth area.
First aid for dogs has saved many dogs’ lives and will continue to. Unfortunately, though, the odds are not great once he or she begins experiencing breathing problems. Performing artificial respiration may not save your dog’s life, but you must try as it has saved dogs’ lives in the past.
