Can I Heimlich My Dog?

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Dolores Holle, V.M.D., attending veterinarian and director of canine health management at The Seeing Eye guide dog school in Morristown, New Jersey, describes the following modified Heimlich maneuver for a choking dog.

Stand behind him, bend and wrap your arms around your dog's belly just below his ribs. Give one or two quick forceful squeezes.

Usually the object will pop right out. Thumping both sides of the dog's chest simultaneously with cupped hands may also dislodge the object.

Do not put your hand into the dog's mouth if he's awake; you risk injury and are unlikely to clear the airway successfully.

If the dog loses consciousness, lay him on one side and feel for the last rib. Place both hands, palms down, just behind this bottom rib and press down forcefully a couple of times.

You might also be able to get the object by extending his head and neck from his body, opening his mouth, pulling his tongue out of the way, and trying to find it with your fingers.

Even if you succeed in getting whatever it is out, take your dog to the vet to check for laryngeal damage, which could create swelling and obstruction.
 

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