Choking In Dogs: 7 Possible Causes

The reasons that can lead our dog to choke are many, but in no case should we lose our temper.

Anyone who has a dog will have found themselves witnessing a situation where it appears that the dog is choking on food or an object ingested. In dogs, choking can occur at any time and in any situation. However, the owner must never lose his temper.

If the owner gets nervous, the dog will feel it and his anxiety could make rescue operations even more difficult. By calmly following a series of steps, the unpleasant event will become just a bad anecdote to tell your friends. Today we are going to tell you what are the most common causes of choking in dogs.

7 possible causes of choking in dogs

1. Toys and food

Typically, dogs put more in their mouths than they can chew. No matter the size of the object that the dog has in his mouth, you have to pay attention to the size it will have after the dog chews it. If after chewing the object is still large, it could clog your throat causing choking.

Similarly, remnants of food such as bones, seeds or larger pieces can get stuck in the trachea and partially or totally block the passage of air. The solution is to supervise the animal when it plays and remove the toy or bone if they are small enough to fit fully into the dog’s mouth.

2. Choking in dogs: drowning

Another common cause of choking in dogs is because they rely too much on their swimming skills and let them swim alone in the sea, in a lake or in a swimming pool. If your dog is far from the shore and is physically very tired, he may be ingesting too much water, endangering his life. Therefore, we recommend that you install ramps in the pool and get your dog out of the water if you see that he is tired of swimming.

3. Suffocation from smoking

During a fire, inhaling smoke and carbon monoxide in an enclosed environment such as a garage can cause your dogs to suffocate.

4. Heatstroke, a possible cause of choking in dogs

Perhaps you have seen a dog stuck in the bush in the summer with its tongue sticking out desperately trying to get out. This situation puts dogs’ lives at risk, given that in periods when temperatures are higher inside the cockpit, little air circulates, making the animal’s breathing more difficult.

5. Falls

Another cause of choking in dogs can be falls, especially if the animal hits the chest, neck or chest. Additionally, factors such as the animal’s age and weight can increase the severity of the trauma. An older dog has the most fragile bones and cartilages in the neck. Because of this, they can be fractured more easily.

6. Diseases, another possible cause of choking in dogs

There are some diseases that make your dog more susceptible to choking. Tracheobronchitis, better known as a barking cough, is a disease that is spread from dog to dog through phlegm or sneezing. This condition causes the dog to clear his throat frequently. But don’t worry, with the help of your vet you can cure it.

7. Inappropriate collars

If they are too tight, the collars can pose a danger. We advise you to check their size frequently, especially in the growth phase of the dog. The distance between the dog’s neck and the collar should be two fingers.

How can we prevent choking in dogs?

There are two methods by which choking in dogs can be prevented. However, the best recommendation we can give you is to always check your pets, regardless of age and trust you place in them. In extreme cases, here are the two methods that can save your dog’s life.

1. Heimlich maneuver. How to do it depends on the size of the dog. If he is small, hold him in your arms with his shoulders resting on your chest and place one hand closed in a fist on his sternum and the other over his fist. Perform four strong movements by tightening the dog’s abdomen. Then hit the dog’s back with the palm of your hand.
2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you are unable to extract the object that is choking the dog, place the animal on the floor on the right side. If it’s a puppy, place your open hands on each side of the chest. In the case of a large dog, you need to place your hands on his chest one on top of the other. Perform sixty compressions per minute and two breaths every thirty compressions until the animal is breathing.

These are the methods used in emergency situations. However, if your dog is still unable to breathe well, we recommend that you take him to a veterinary clinic right away. It is important to pay attention to the objects your dog usually plays with and to be ready to provide first aid if necessary.