Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

A typical cause of choking in dogs is food or a foreign body being caught in the throat or windpipe. If this happens to your dog, you should be able to perform the Heimlich Maneuver for dogs. The Heimlich Maneuver for dogs, a procedure that could save your dog's life if he is choking, is very similar to the Heimlich Maneuver used for humans.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs - Try These Methods First Before Attempting the Heimlich Maneuver

Before you attempt the Heimlich Maneuver for dogs, try these two methods first.

Check the dog's mouth to see if you can see the foreign body. Open the dog's mouth and gently pull the tongue forward. You may be able to remove the foreign body with your hands and not have to use the Heimlich Maneuver for dogs. It is sometimes difficult to hold the dog's mouth open while you are attempting this. It is usually much easier with the help of an additional person.

The next thing to try is to raise the rear legs with the dog's head pointed downward. Give a few strong slaps with your palm to the shoulder area of the dog. Sometimes the foreign body will be dislodged and again you may not need to use the Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs - Heimlich Maneuver Procedure

Stand behind the dog, who also should be standing. Grasp the dog with both hands around the chest below the rib cage. Give three or four quick thrusts. This will push the diaphragm upward and dislodge the foreign body. Repeat if necessary. You may also attempt this with the dog lying on his side; however, it is usually easier if the dog is standing.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs - Remove the Foreign Body Quickly

When the foreign body has been dislodged, remove it quickly from dog's mouth. Most dogs will attempt to swallow it again. Do not let this happen. Chances are that the foreign body will once again become caught in the throat or windpipe.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs - Practice the Heimlich Maneuver

Hopefully you will never have to use the Heimlich Maneuver for dogs, but dog owners should practice the procedure just in case. If you are having any difficulty in practicing this procedure, ask your veterinarian for assistance.