What To Do if Your Dog Is Choking

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 11
5 min read

If your dog is suddenly gagging, pawing at their mouth, or panicking, they might be choking. You may only have seconds to help.

Choking can be a terrifying experience, but knowing what to do in the moment could save your dog’s life.

Here’s why dogs choke, what to watch for, how to help, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Why Dogs Choke

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Whether it’s scarfing down a treat, gnawing on a toy, or chewing on a stick, there’s always a chance something might get stuck in their throat.

Common choking hazards include:

Balls or round objects that can block the airway
Bones (especially cooked or brittle ones)
Household items like socks, string, or plastic
Large kibble or treats
Rawhide chews or bully sticks
Rocks
Small toys or toy parts
Sticks

Why It’s Important To Know How To Help Your Dog When They’re Choking

When a dog is choking, time is critical. Their airway can become fully or partially blocked, cutting off oxygen. Unlike humans, dogs can’t ask for help, and panic can set in fast.

It is possible for a dog to choke to death. Plus, if a dog is without oxygen for three to five minutes, they may have permanent brain damage.

Time is of the essence when it comes to saving your dog’s life. Being prepared empowers you to act confidently and potentially save your dog’s life before you get to the vet.

How To Know if Your Dog Is Choking

Choking is different from coughing or gagging. Here are the telltale signs that your dog is in serious trouble:

Blue tint to their gums
Choking sounds, gagging
Drooling
Excessive, distressed coughing
Loss of consciousness
Pawing at their face and head
Struggling to breathe in
Sudden gagging or retching
Visible distress or panic

How To Help Your Dog When They’re Choking

According to the Red Cross, these are the steps you should take if your dog is choking.

If you don’t think you can do these things, you need to get in the car with your pup and head to the nearest open vet office immediately. There is no time to waste.

Step 1: Check Your Dog’s Mouth

Gently open your dog’s mouth and pull their tongue forward.
Sweep inside with your finger to dislodge the object.

Do NOT push the object deeper into the throat. Also, please be careful when doing this. Dogs may bite out of panic.

Step 2: Perform the Canine Heimlich Maneuver

Executing this step depends on the size of your dog. ProTrainings breaks down the best ways to do the Heimlich on your dog. We've included a video from them as well as written instructions below.

For Small Dogs (<30lbs):

Hold your dog on your lap with them lying on their back facing up.
Put one hand on their back and the other on their abdomen.
With moderate force, press your hand into their abdomen right below their sternum quickly five times.
Reposition your dog on their side so you can check for the object.
You can also try standing your dog up with their back against your chest, then give quick thrusts into their abdomen just below their sternum.

For Medium Dogs

While your dog is standing, place your arms around them from the back and have your hands join at their abdomen.
Then, make a fist with your hands and firmly push up and forward five times in a thrusting motion into their abdomen right below their sternum.
If your dog is lying down, put one hand on their back and use your other hand to do fast upward thrusts into their abdomen just below their sternum.

For Large Dogs:

While standing, place your arms around your dog from behind and have them stand up with their back against your chest.
Then, make a fist with one hand, place it at the base of your dog’s abdomen, and use the other hand to apply five sharp upward thrusts right below their sternum.
If your dog is lying down, put one hand on their back and use your other hand to do fast upward thrusts on their abdomen just below their sternum.

Step 3: Check and Repeat if Needed

After completing the thrusts, check your dog’s mouth to see if the object has dislodged. If it has, remove it carefully. Otherwise, try again.

Step 4: Try Another Strategy

The Red Cross suggests suspending your dog by their hips with their head hanging down, then using your palm to give five quick blows to your dog's back between their shoulder blades.

If your dog is too big, you can use this strategy but hold their hind legs in the air like a wheelbarrow instead.

ProTrainings also suggests trying back blows. With your pet in a standing position, find your dog’s shoulder blades, then apply five quick blows just below the shoulder blades.

Step 5: Check Again and Repeat if Needed

Check to see if the object has dislodged. Try again if it hasn’t.

Step 6: Start Emergency Measures

If your dog becomes unconscious:

Begin CPR immediately, including chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Head to the emergency vet as quickly as possible.

Learn More: How To Do Dog CPR

What if My Dog Is Choking on a Ball?

In this scenario, it’s best to press from the outside. Using your dog’s jaw as leverage, apply pressure to the ball from behind using your thumbs to try to pop it forward out of their mouth.

Here’s a video showing what it looks like (viewer discretion advised):

Should You See a Vet if Your Dog Was Choking?

Yes. You should immediately follow up with a veterinarian, even if your dog seems fine afterward.

Choking can cause scrapes, irritation, and trauma to your dog’s throat. Consequently, your vet will want to do an exam and treat your pup if they have any issues.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Choking

Here are some simple, effective ways to reduce the risk of your dog choking:

Avoid giving your dog cooked bones or chews that break into sharp pieces.
Choose appropriately sized toys and chews.
Crate your dog when you can’t keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t try to eat something they shouldn’t.
Don’t give your dog rawhide, bully sticks, or regular sticks.
Keep trash, clothing, children's toys, and small household items out of reach.
Remove harnesses and collars while your dog is crated.
Supervise your dog while they eat or chew.
Teach your dog the “drop it” or “leave it” on command.
Use slow feeder bowls for fast eaters.

Consider your dog’s breed, age, and chewing style when choosing toys and treats.

Learn More: Items You Should Never Buy Your Dog

Final Thoughts

Choking emergencies can be frightening. But, with knowledge and quick thinking, you can give your dog the best shot at recovery. The most important thing is to stay calm, act quickly, and follow up with your vet.

If you want to feel even more prepared, sign up for a canine first aid and CPR course through your vet, a local training center, or the Red Cross.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.