Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: Choking
Pet Choking
Choking occurs when a foreign object partially or completely blocks a dog’s or cat’s airway. A choking emergency can quickly become life-threatening and requires immediate action.
Common Signs of Choking
Signs may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Gagging or choking sounds
- Pawing at the mouth
- Panic or unusual distress
- Loud or abnormal breathing sounds
- Pale, blue, or gray gums or tongue
- Collapse or loss of responsiveness
A pet that can still breathe should be kept as calm as possible and taken for immediate veterinary care.
First Aid Steps for a Choking Pet
- Ensure scene safety and protect yourself from being bitten
- If it can be done safely, open the pet’s mouth and pull the tongue forward
- Look for a clearly visible object and remove it only if it can be reached without pushing it farther into the airway
- Do not perform a blind finger sweep
- If the pet cannot breathe and the object cannot be removed, give 5 abdominal thrusts inward and upward just behind the rib cage
- If the object remains lodged, give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades
- Continue alternating abdominal thrusts and back blows until the object is expelled or the pet becomes unresponsive
- If the pet becomes unresponsive, check breathing and begin CPR according to the procedures taught in this course
- Seek emergency veterinary care immediately
Use extra caution with small dogs and cats when performing abdominal thrusts to avoid excessive force.
After the Object Is Removed
Even if the object is successfully removed and the pet appears to recover, veterinary evaluation is recommended. Choking and airway-clearing procedures may cause injury or breathing complications that are not immediately obvious. Continue monitoring breathing, responsiveness, and overall condition while transporting the pet for veterinary care.
Preventing Choking
Keep small objects, bones, damaged toys, and other potential choking hazards away from pets. Choose toys and treats that are appropriate for the pet’s size and supervise pets when they are chewing unfamiliar items.