Dog Choking: What to Do in an Emergency
Pawing at the mouth, gagging, blue gums, panic.
By Pawfessor Editorial Team Reviewed by a veterinarianUpdated
Emergency: go to a vet now. Do these steps on the way to the vet, or while someone else calls ahead.
Choking is frightening, and a panicking dog may bite, even someone they love. Stay as calm as you can, keep your own hands safe, and get help on the way: call your vet or emergency clinic while you act.
Common causes are balls that are too small, chunks of chew, bones and sticks. Choose toys bigger than your dog’s throat and supervise chews. See choosing safe chews.
What to do
- Stay calm and restrain them: a panicking dog may bite
- Open the mouth and look; if you can see the object, hook it out with your fingers
- Don't push blindly: you can drive it deeper
- Small dog: hold them upside down by the back legs and give firm back blows between the shoulder blades
- Large dog: stand behind, wrap your arms under the belly, make a fist just behind the ribs and push up and forward sharply 5 times
- Check the mouth again and repeat
Go to the vet even if it comes out
- The throat can be injured or swell later
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog is choking or just coughing?
A choking dog may paw at the mouth, gag without bringing anything up, struggle to breathe, panic or have blue-tinged gums. Coughing with normal breathing between coughs is less urgent, but still worth calling your vet about.
Pawfessor programs for this
Keep reading
Puppy proofing your home
A room by room checklist to puppy proof your home: kitchen, living room, bathroom, garage and yard, plus the household items that are toxic to dogs.
CPR
If your dog isn't breathing and has no heartbeat.
Heavy Bleeding
Blood spurting or pooling from a wound.