Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs: Critical Step-by-Step Guide

 

DOG HEALTH & CARE

If your small dog is choking, stand and hold your dog with his back against your stomach, holding him up with one arm around his upper abdomen. © Arden Moore

Dogs of any size will try to dislodge any object in their mouths by coughing and lurching forward. Step in to assist when this coughing turns into a gasping sound called a stridor, which is a harsh, abnormal, high-pitched sound. If you hear that sound, your pup needs you calmly to perform the Heimlich maneuver designed for dogs.

As a master-certified pet first-aid/CPR instructor for 12 years and founder of Pet First Aid 4U, I train pet parents and pet professionals in the veterinarian-approved way to perform abdominal thrusts safely and effectively on dogs and puppies.

Step-by-step guide to performing the Heimlich maneuver for small dogs

For small dogs with airways partially or completely blocked by an object, follow these steps:

1. Stand and hold your dog with his back against your stomach.
2. Hold him up with one arm around his upper abdomen.
3. With your other hand, make a fist (tuck in your thumb).
4. Position your closed fist at the end of ribcage in the soft spot.
5. Thrust your fist in and upward five times in a row on the dog’s exhale to try to dislodge the object.
6. Every five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.
7. Be ready to perform rescue breaths if the dog becomes unconscious. Use your speaker function on your cellphone to alert the nearest veterinary clinic of your arrival as you continue the abdominal thrusts.

Step-by-step guide to performing the Heimlich maneuver for medium to large dogs

For medium to large dogs whose airways are partially or completely blocked by an object, follow these steps:

1. Stand behind your dog if he is standing.
2. With one hand, make a fist and tuck in your thumb.
3. Position this closed fist at the soft spot just past the ribcage.
4. Use your other open-palm hand to hold this fist in place.
5. Thrust your hands up and forward (toward the dog’s mouth) five times in a row on the dog’s exhale to try to dislodge the object.
6. Every five thrusts, open and inspect the mouth to see if you can dislodge any object.
7. Be ready to perform rescue breaths if your dog becomes unconscious.
8. Use your speaker function on your cellphone to alert the nearest veterinary clinic of your arrival as you continue the abdominal thrusts.

Please continue reading from here 

https://email.dogster.com/te/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjcxNTg1NCxcImxcIjoxMTE0ODc0NjAyNjgwNTAzNDUsXCJyXCI6MTExNDg3NDY0Mzc1MzIyMTg3fSIsInMiOiIwODQxYjg5ZTdjZmE4ZTlhIn0

https://www.dogster.com/