Hopefully most of us have all learned and practiced the Heimlich Maneuver in case of an emergency we could help a person if they were choking.
Did you know that this could also be used in emergency choking situations for dogs and cats as well? Cats maybe not so much, but dogs are especially like a child when it comes to putting things in their mouths that don't belong there.
This could result in accidentally swallowing something that can get lodged in their windpipe or their throat and be a frightening end to their life.
We have to be responsible as pet parents when we purchase toys and treats that we are selecting the appropriate size for our pets to prevent this from happening.
For example make sure that they do not have access to the trash if chicken or other cooked bones are placed in the trash because cooked bones can splinter, lodging in the throat and be very painful along with causing your pet to choke.
Applying the Heimlich to a Dog or Cat ·First of all, be certain that the animal is choking.
Typically they would be pawing frantically at their mouth and their eyes will be large and appear to be bugging out of their head.
Remember if an animal is choking they are also frightened and may try to bite you so prepare yourself for this in their state of panic.
·Open your pet's mouth with, one hand on top of their muzzle one hand on bottom, finger tips and thumbs just inside their mouth.
·With your hand holding their lower jaw use your index finger to sweep their mouth for the obstruction.
If you can see it, remove it quickly.
·If you cannot remove the object this way you have two options depending on the size of your dog.
·1 Small Dog/Cat - Hold your smaller dog/cat upside down facing outward, tail toward your face hugging them gently with your hands around their abdomen.
Swing them from side to side gently putting pressure on the abdomen for about 30 seconds at a time.
·Any Size Dog - Just like you would a human, lean over the back of your dog placing your fists below the rib cage within the abdomen, thrust in and upward four - five times to dislodge the object.
Remember that this experience will have caused your pet to be extremely frightened and they may try to bite you out of fear.
Protecting yourself is just as important as protecting your pet.
At this time your pet could be in shock.
They may have inflicted injuries to themselves by struggling or their throat or mouth could be injured by whatever they had choked on.
An examination of their throat by your veterinarian will be best at this point and much love by you for them to relax, even better.