What to Do When Your Pet Is Choking: Life-Saving Steps

When a pet is choking, every moment counts. Our team at McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic has put together a guide outlining the steps to take to ensure the best possible outcomes for your furry companion. Knowing what to do can make all the difference in this critical time. 

Recognizing the Signs of Choking in Pets

Choking typically occurs when a foreign object is lodged in your furry friend’s throat, blocking the airway. This can lead to distress and, without prompt intervention, serious consequences, including loss of consciousness or even death. Immediate action is critical to help clear the obstruction and help restore normal breathing. 

The following are signs of choking requiring immediate care: 

• Panic or Distress: Your cat or dog may appear anxious, start to panic, and show signs of severe distress.
• Pawing at the Mouth: Your pet may be frantically pawing at their mouth or face in an effort to remove the obstruction. 
• Gagging or Choking Sounds: You may hear unusual noises such as high-pitched whistling from the throat, wheezing, gagging, heaving, or labored breathing. 
• Blue-Tinged Gums: The gums may turn from pink to blue or purple due to a lack of oxygen, indicating a serious, time-sensitive emergency. 
• Collapse: If the choking is severe, your pet may lose consciousness or collapse altogether.

Immediate Actions to Take If Your Pet Is Choking

A pet, even a normally gentle one, may bite when panicked or in distress. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, seek immediate veterinary care. If you are able to do so safely, open your pet’s mouth and look for any visible obstruction. Gently attempt to remove it with your fingers, if possible. 

If you are not able to see the object or if it is dislodged too deep, perform abdominal thrusts or the Heimlich Maneuver. For small pets, hold them upright, back against your stomach, place your fingers just below the ribcage, and give quick, firm upward thrusts. For medium-sized or larger pets, stand behind them, wrap your arms around the abdomen, make a fist, and place the thumb side just below the ribcage. Give quick, firm upward and inward thrusts. You can do this several times if you are not successful on your first attempt.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Regardless of whether or not you manage to dislodge the object, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care. Our team at McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic will evaluate your pet’s condition, checking for internal injuries, airway damage, or respiratory distress. Make sure to call us as you are on your way to alert us of your pet’s emergency so we can be prepared to offer immediate care. 

Preventing Choking in Pets

At McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic, we are advocates of prevention rather than cure. The following are some tips to minimize the risk of choking: 

• Choose Appropriate Toys: Select toys that are large enough not to be swallowed and durable enough not to break into smaller pieces.
• Supervise Treat Time: Supervise your furry companion when chewing on bones or other chew toys. Remove the treat immediately if they attempt to eat large pieces rather than chew on the end.
• Monitor Play: Always supervise your pets during playtime, and avoid playing with balls or objects that are small enough to fit in the back of the throat.
• Pet-Proof Your Home: Just as you would pet-proof your home for a toddler, keep any small objects out of reach, such as coins, toys, or even your favorite socks, which can end up posing a choking risk.

Emergency Veterinary Care Near Me in McKinney, TX

At McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic, we offer life-saving care for cats and dogs in McKinney, TX, and the surrounding communities. If you suspect your pet is choking, attempt to remove the obstruction and bring your furry friend in for immediate care. The sooner you seek emergency care, the better the outcomes for your furry companion.

If your pet experiences an emergency, please contact us at 469-820-0233. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to household pets in McKinney, TX, and the surrounding communities.