How To Do The Heimlich On A Dog

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Your Dog

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog. Dogs, just like humans, can choke on objects or food that are too large for them to swallow. Knowing how to properly administer the Heimlich maneuver could save your pet’s life in an emergency situation.

Step 1: Identify if Your Dog is Choking

The first step in performing the Heimlich maneuver on your dog is identifying whether or not they are choking. Signs of choking include coughing, gagging, pawing at their mouth, difficulty breathing, and a bluish tint to their gums.

If you suspect that your dog is choking, don’t panic. Approach them calmly and assess the situation before taking action.

Step 2: Determine the Appropriate Position

Once you’ve identified that your dog is choking, it’s time to determine what position they should be in for the Heimlich maneuver. The appropriate position will depend on the size of your dog.

For small dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, place them on their back with their head lower than their chest. For larger dogs weighing over 30 pounds, stand behind them and place your arms around their waist.

Step 3: Administer the Heimlich Maneuver

The next step is administering the Heimlich maneuver itself. The goal of this maneuver is to dislodge whatever object or food is causing your dog to choke.

For small dogs, place one hand on their back and use the other hand to apply quick upward pressure under their ribcage. Repeat this motion until the object is dislodged.

For larger dogs, stand behind them and place your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just behind their ribcage. Use your other hand to apply quick upward pressure on their abdomen. Repeat this motion until the object is dislodged.

Step 4: Seek Veterinary Care

After successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver on your dog, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Even if your dog seems fine after the incident, there may be internal damage that needs to be addressed.

In addition to seeking veterinary care, it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid future choking incidents. This includes keeping small objects out of reach of your dog and monitoring their food intake.

Conclusion

Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog could save their life in an emergency situation. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy. Remember to seek veterinary care after performing the maneuver and take preventative measures to avoid future choking incidents.