Dog Choking: Causes and How to Help

It’s every owner’s worst nightmare: their dog has been eating or chewing something, and suddenly it starts to struggle. If the dog's airway is blocked, time is of the essence, and choking is a serious event that must always be taken seriously.

We’ll look at the most common causes of canine choking, how it can be prevented, and what you can do in the unlikely event that your dog chokes.

Most milder choking episodes resolve quickly by themselves, but some need to be treated at home with first aid. Very uncommonly, dogs who choke require urgent veterinary intervention.

What is Choking in Dogs?

Choking in dogs is an obstruction of the trachea (windpipe). Airflow is blocked, and a dog cannot breathe. The dog is very quickly deprived of oxygen.

Why It Can Be Life-Threatening

Dogs cannot go for long without oxygen before they start experiencing effects such as lightheadedness, confusion and organ failure.

After just a few minutes, severe and permanent damage can occur to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Common Causes of Dog Choking

Though almost anything has the potential to be a choking hazard, there are certain items which are involved much more often than others.

Food and Treats

The most common foods and treats that lead to choking events include those that are tricky to chew, such as fat and cartilage from meat, larger seeds from fruits such as plums, and claggy food items like bread.

Toys and Small Objects

Puppies are notorious for chewing toys and objects like tools, decorations and cushion tassels. It is easy for items like this to break apart and for pieces to lodge in the throat, especially if sphere shaped or a smooth texture.

Although eating grass sometimes causes coughing and gagging, and can get stuck, it is not large enough to block off the airways or cause choking.

Bones and Chews

Rawhide and bones are often implicated in choking incidents. This is not the only reason they should not be given, as they can cause other issues, including broken teeth, tongue lacerations, and gut obstructions.

Medical Conditions

Some dogs are much more prone to choking due to an underlying medical condition. This is the case, for example, in dogs with laryngeal paralysis or those who have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Signs and Symptoms of Choking

If your dog is choking, you’ll immediately know something is wrong.

Mild Choking vs. Severe Choking

If your dog is choking but coping, it will make noise. This can include coughs, gurgles, and gags. It may paw at its mouth and look uneasy. You should find it soon and dislodge the offending object.

With more serious choking, your dog will be silent when the airway has been completely blocked off. No air can flow. You may notice erratic movements, wide eyes, drooling, and blue gums. Dogs will become weak and then collapse.

Some owners mistake coughing, sneezing, and reverse sneezing for choking. It's a good to look for videos on YouTube of each of these events, so you know what each looks like, and can be reassured should these symptoms occur.

First Aid for a Choking Dog

Every pet owner should know basic first aid in case their dog chokes. Although it is a rare event, being prepared should provide a sense of being more in control and could make all the difference.

Assess the Situation Safely

Firstly, have a quick glance around to determine what your dog is choking on and ensure there is no danger to you. If your dog has chewed on something electrical, be on the lookout for live wires.

Opening the Mouth and Checking the Airway

Pull the tongue forward to assess the back of the mouth and throat if safe. Sweep your finger along the tongue at the back to try to dislodge any object within reach.

Performing the Heimlich Manoeuvre on a Dog

Like in humans, the Heimlich Manoeuvre is used on dogs that cannot breathe and have a completely occluded airway. The method favoured depends on the dog's size.

Smaller dogs can be turned upside down, holding them by their feet. For larger dogs, wrap your arms around them, having one first in your other hand. Quickly and firmly exert pressure to move any object up and out.

When to Seek Emergency Vet Care

Most choking episodes resolve within just a few seconds at home. If your dog is continuing to choke and first aid is being employed, have someone else prepare to leave the home, and call the emergency vet to let them know you’ll be on your way.

Time is of the essence if the choking does not resolve quickly. Continue to perform first aid in the car. If the object cannot be dislodged and your dog has stopped breathing, start CPR.

Veterinary Treatment for Choking

If a patient is brought in choking, the veterinary team will snap into action and they’ll bring them through to the back right away.

Removal of the Object

The dog may need to be anesthetised so the offending object can be removed, which may necessitate the use of forceps. Where required, a small camera (bronchoscope) can be used.

They will be able to place a breathing tube if needed. The staff also have the option of starting mechanical breaths where required.

Treating Any Internal Damage

Some dogs will need anti-inflammatories, particularly if the object has caused localised swelling and redness.

Monitoring for Complications

If anything has been aspirated, monitor for any signs of aspiration pneumonia over the next week.

Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, laboured breathing, or a fever. If an aspiration is suspected, the vet may take a chest X-ray.

If the dog has been without oxygen for a long time, owners should also be on the lookout for any ongoing signs of oxygen deprivation. These can include personality changes, confusion, aggression, seizures, or changes to how the dog walks.

Preventing Choking in Dogs

Although not every choking episode can be prevented, there are some things we can do to help prevent them.

Safe Feeding Practices

A great idea for those dogs who like to guzzle up their food quickly is to use a slow feeder bowl and to give them a few smaller meals over the day, rather than one single meal when they are very hungry.

You can purchase rawhide or bully stick holders, making it safer to eat, as they are often choked on treats like this.

Choosing Safe Items

Stick to toys that are certified as safe for dogs and that do not have small pieces which can be easily broken off.

Avoid anything that has a small squeaker or small ball which can easily roll into the back of the mouth.

It is best not to allow your dog to chew on things like bones or sticks, as issues with these are common.

Supervised Playtime

Keep an eye on your dog if they are having any chews or playing with toys that could potentially break off. You'll be prepared if they need anything removed from their mouth quickly.

Learn More About Your Dog's Choking

If you would like more information about dogs choking or are worried about your dog, do not hesitate to contact us and discuss things further.

Dog Choking FAQs

Can Dogs Choke on Water?

It is not uncommon for dogs to cough and splutter if they drink water too quickly and inhale it. However, the water droplets should be quickly coughed up and should not cause any issues.

Should I Try to Remove an Object Myself?

If it is safe to do so and your dog needs assistance, you can try using your finger to remove any item that is stuck. Most dogs can dislodge objects themselves quickly by coughing forcefully.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Truly Choking?

A dog that is coughing loudly may have something stuck or be in an awkward position, but they are not necessarily choking. Choking is when the airway is blocked off and no air is flowing. Affected dogs will not make much noise and cannot cough the obstruction out.

Could Choking be Confused for Anything?

If you are unsure if your dog is choking, but they are having trouble breathing, something else could happen. Other considerations would include heat stroke, heart failure, a seizure, or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).