Now, I hope you never have to apply the information here, however it is always handy to know as you never know when you will need it. It’s always good to brush up on knowledge like this, as it is very rare or perhaps never implemented. But knowing it and reacting in the correct way can be the difference in an extreme situation.
After using their noses to smell, a dog is most likely to use his mouth next for a bit of investigation. And this opens up the possibility of chocking. You can usually tell with the following symptoms:
- Vomiting motions
- Panicked look and appearance
- Pacing up and down
- Pawing at mouth
- Can feel/see chest trying to breath but not usual breathing/airway noise
What you next depends on the size of the dog.
For a large dog:
- Stand behind the dog
- Place arms around the body
- Place fisting hand with thumb against the abdomen where the sternum ends.
- Grasp your fist with other hand and push upwards towards the shoulder with force
- Do it 4 or 5 times.
- Check airways and clear any blockage
- Repeat if needed.
For a small dog:
- Hold dog with head up so spine is against your chest
- Place fisting hand with thumb against the abdomen where the sternum ends.
- Grasp your fist with other hand and rapidly thrust inwards and upwards
- Do it 4 or 5 times.
- Check airways and clear any blockage
- Repeat if needed.
Watch this video for a demonstration as well:
