If your pet experienced a choking episode or is still actively choking and struggling to breathe, these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!
One quiet afternoon, Lily, a 6-year-old French Bulldog, was chewing on a bone when the worst happened – it got stuck in the back of her throat and she started actively choking! Thanks to her owner’s quick thinking, Lily was rushed to Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota. There, Dr. Armeni, an emergency veterinarian, and her team acted fast. They gave Lily a sedative, oxygen supplementation, and used forceps to remove the bone that was obstructing her airway.
Fortunately, the bone had a hollow center which allowed Lily to breathe despite the obstruction. Without that, the situation could have been fatal. Thankfully, once the bone was removed, Lily recovered well and was able to return home to her family.
Sadly, not every choking emergency has a happy outcome like Lily’s. When a pet’s airway or trachea is blocked, they can’t get the oxygen they need which quickly turns choking into a life-threatening situation. That’s why it’s crucial for pet parents to act quickly. Knowing how to recognize this emergency and what to do next can save your pet’s life!
Common Causes of a Blocked Airway
First, let’s go over why a pet may begin choking. There are a variety of scenarios that may lead to a pet’s airway being blocked, but the most common causes include:
- A foreign object stuck in the mouth/throat
- If a chew or treat is the wrong size for your pet or positioned incorrectly, it can get wedged in the pet’s throat when they try to swallow it. Even pet-specific toys or balls can pose a risk, so it’s important for pet parents to always choose appropriately–sized items to keep pets safe.
- Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)
- Brachycephalic dogs, like bulldogs, Frenchies, and pugs, have flat or “squished” noses that can make them more prone to breathing issues. The problem is that these types of pets have the same amount of tissue in their airway as a longer-snouted pet, but it’s crammed into a smaller space. Sometimes, that excess tissue will extend too far into their throat and block the airway. Brachycephalic dogs are most vulnerable to BAOS when overheated or overexerted.
- Strangulation
- Accidental strangulation is a frightening situation that may occur when a pet gets tangled in cords or ties, or when collars catch on kennels, fences, or another pet’s mouth during play.
- Chemicals or smoke inhalation
- Certain chemicals and smoke inhalation can irritate a pet’s airways, causing swelling that may lead to breathing difficulties or choking.
Signs to Recognize as Choking
In a pet emergency, it can be hard to process what’s happening. Here are common signs of choking that pet parents should recognize to act quickly and seek emergency veterinary care:
- Coughing
- This is often the first sign of choking as the pet may try to expel whatever is stuck in the throat!
- Dry heaving
- Distress
- Pawing at mouth
- Abnormal gum or tongue color
- The gums or tongue may start turning gray or blue due to lack of oxygen
- Unconsciousness
What to Do if Your Pet is Choking
In a critical situation, staying calm is crucial for pet parents. Every second counts, and quick action can make a difference in your pet’s recovery. Here’s what to do in an emergency:
- If your pet’s collar or restraint is stuck, act fast to remove it and free your pet.
- If your pet is choking on an object, and you can safely examine their mouth without risking a bite, attempt a finger sweep to remove the obstruction. DO NOT press on the object as this could cause it to lodge further.
If your pet can breathe around the object, seek immediate veterinary care. We highly recommend having someone drive you and your pet to the animal emergency hospital and calling ahead so their team can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
If you’re able to resolve the situation at home, please follow up with a veterinarian to discuss potential secondary issues, such as airway irritation or aspiration pneumonia.
Prevention Tips
The risk of a pet choking can be lessened by taking the following steps:
- Avoiding toys, balls, and bones that are small enough to get lodged in your pet’s throat, or those that could break into smaller pieces or have small parts that may be chewed off.
- Removing your pet’s collar in a kennel and supervising playtime.
- If you have a brachycephalic breed, be diligent about preventing overheating or over-exertion.
We hope you never have to face this emergency, but if your pet does experience choking, you can call Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota at (651) 501-3766. Our trained Contact Center will notify our ER team to prepare for your pet’s arrival and guide you on how to assist your pet during transport.
Written by Alexandria Armeni, DVM.
More Reading:
