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Choking first aid: food or toy stuck
Choking looks like pawing at the mouth, silent gagging and purple gums. A full blockage kills within minutes β move fast but steady.
β οΈ π¨ Emergency
Panicked pets bite β wrap small pets' heads in a towel before rescue.
π¨ First-aid steps
- 1Open the mouth: if the object is visible and easy to reach, remove it with fingers or fine tweezers
- 2Not visible: for small dogs and cats β lift hindquarters up and give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
- 3Large dogs: stand behind, fist-lock around the belly above the navel, thrust inward and upward 5 times (Heimlich)
- 4Check the mouth after each attempt β remove the object as soon as it loosens
- 5Still struggling to breathe, or unconscious β go to the hospital immediately
- 6Unconscious: lay the pet on its side, straighten the neck, start CPR and transport while continuing
β Never do this
- βDon't blindly sweep unseen positions (pushes objects deeper)
- βDon't pour water down the throat
- βDon't skip the vet after the object comes out β laryngeal injury is possible
π₯ Go to the vet immediately if:
- β Persistent coughing, gagging or labored breathing after removal
- β Purple gums or loss of consciousness
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