Performing CPR on Your Choking Dog

by admin in Pet Care Basics 27 - Last Update November 28, 2025

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I\'ll never forget the sheer, heart-stopping panic. My beloved Labrador, Gus, had gotten a piece of a toy lodged in his throat. One moment he was happily playing, the next he was silent, pawing at his mouth, and I could see the terror in his eyes. It\'s a scenario I wouldn\'t wish on any pet parent, and it taught me a lesson I carry with me every single day: being prepared isn\'t optional. Knowing how to respond in those first critical seconds can make all the difference.

It\'s crucial to understand that what I\'m sharing comes from years of hands-on experience, pet first aid courses, and countless conversations with veterinarians. However, this is emergency-response information, not a substitute for professional veterinary care. These techniques are for a dire, life-or-death situation when you cannot get to a vet immediately. Always, always make getting to an emergency clinic your top priority.

First, confirm your dog is actually choking

Before you jump into any drastic measures, you need to assess the situation in seconds. A dog that is coughing or gagging forcefully is still moving air. That\'s a good sign! Encourage them to cough it out. A dog that is truly choking will be silent, unable to breathe, and may have blue-tinged gums or tongue. They might be pawing at their face or collapsing. This is when you must act.

Step 1: check the airway

Carefully open your dog\'s mouth. If you can see the object and can easily grab it with your fingers or pliers without pushing it further down, do so. Be extremely careful not to get bitten, even by the most gentle dog; panic can make them react unpredictably. If you can\'t see it or can\'t get it easily, do not blindly poke around, as you could make it worse. Move on to the next step.

Performing the canine heimlich maneuver

This is different from the human version. Your technique will depend on your dog\'s size.

For a small dog: Pick them up and hold them with their back against your chest. With your arms around them, make a fist with one hand and place it in the soft spot just under their rib cage. Use your other hand to give a few sharp, inward and upward thrusts.
For a large dog: If they are standing, wrap your arms around their belly, making a fist in the same spot (just under the rib cage). Give several sharp, inward and upward thrusts. If they have collapsed, lay them on their side and place your hands on top of each other over the rib cage, then give firm, quick compressions.

After a few thrusts, check their mouth again for the object. The goal is to dislodge it. If the dog becomes unconscious and you still can\'t find a pulse or breathing, you must begin CPR while someone else drives you to the emergency vet.

How to perform cpr on a dog

I hope you never have to use this knowledge, but knowing it is power. Remember the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Compressions.

Airway: Ensure the airway is clear using the steps above.
Breathing: Gently close your dog\'s mouth and extend their neck to open the airway. Place your mouth over their nose, forming a seal, and give two rescue breaths, just enough to see their chest rise.
Compressions: Lay your dog on their right side. For most dogs, place your hands over the widest part of their chest. For barrel-chested dogs like bulldogs, you may need to have them on their back. For small dogs or puppies, you can often use one hand to encircle their chest. The rhythm is key: aim for 100-120 compressions per minute. A good trick I learned is to push to the beat of the song \"Stayin\' Alive.\" The ratio is 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

Continue this cycle while you are on your way to the vet. It\'s exhausting, but it\'s their best chance. Taking a certified pet first aid course is one of the best things I\'ve ever done as a pet owner, and I honestly believe every person with a pet should. It turns panic into purposeful action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I tell if my dog is choking or just coughing?

A coughing dog is still moving air, often making loud hacking sounds. A choking dog is often silent, pawing at their mouth, unable to breathe, and may have blue gums. True choking is a silent emergency.

What is the very first thing I should do if my dog is choking?

First, stay as calm as possible. Quickly and carefully open their mouth to see if you can spot and remove the obstruction with your fingers. Only do this if it's easily reachable, otherwise you risk pushing it further down. If you can't get it, proceed to the canine Heimlich maneuver.

Is dog CPR the same as human CPR?

No, there are key differences. For dogs, you typically perform compressions on the side of their chest (not the center), and rescue breaths are given into their nose, not their mouth. The compression-to-breath ratio is also different, usually 30:2.

Can I break my dog's ribs while performing CPR?

Yes, it is a risk, unfortunately. However, in a life-or-death situation where the heart has stopped, a broken rib is a treatable injury, whereas a lack of oxygen to the brain is not. The primary goal is to save their life. Always have a vet check them over immediately after.

Should I practice these first aid techniques on my healthy dog?

Absolutely not. You should never practice compressions or the Heimlich maneuver on a healthy, conscious animal as it could cause serious injury. I strongly recommend getting a stuffed animal of a similar size to your dog to practice hand placement and rhythm.