Dogs and cats chew on food, treats, toys, and other things that can break apart and get lodged in their throat or windpipe. It’s important to know what to do if your pet starts choking because you have limited time to act and every second counts. Here are tips for how to recognize signs your pet is choking, what to do if your pet is choking, and how to prevent your pet from choking again in the future.
Signs Your Pet is Choking
Recognizing the earliest signs your pet is choking will help you react faster and potentially save their life or prevent major injury. Some of the most common signs that a cat or dog is choking are:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Trying to inhale, breathe, cough, or wheeze but without any sound
- Acting panicked and running back and forth
- Rubbing their head or face on the floor or an object
- Losing consciousness
What to Do if Your Pet is Choking
If your pet is choking, you must act fast. Try to look inside your pet’s mouth to find the food or object. If you find something, try to wipe or swipe it out of their mouth with a finger. Do not try to push the object as that could cause it to get lodged even further. If you can see the object but can’t reach it or remove it, bring your pet to the emergency vet as soon as possible. Even if you remove the object, you should still take your pet to their veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian to make sure he doesn’t have any long-term injuries or damage.
Preventing Your Pet from Choking Again
You should also know how to reduce your pet’s risk of choking again in the future. Make sure to watch them carefully when they are playing with a toy, especially if it is a new toy. If possible, don’t leave food or toys out for your pets when you aren’t home and can’t help them if they choke. Keep objects that could be choking hazards away from your pets, such as hair ties, rubber bands, string, rope, yarn, blankets with tassels, curtains with fringe or tassels, etc.
Seeking Emergency Services for a Choking Pet
If your pet is choking, you have limited time to act. If someone else is with you, have that person call the closest emergency veterinary clinic in your area and let them know you’re on your way. Then have that person drive while you attend to your pet. If you are alone, try to clear the blockage from your pet’s throat and make sure he is breathing again, and then seek emergency pet services.
At All Pets Animal Hospital & 24-Hour Emergency Care, we specialize in emergency veterinary services in Katy, TX. We are open 24/7/365 and accept walk-in patients. Call us now for emergency triage and assistance, or bring your pet into our emergency animal hospital. You can also book an appointment online.
