Vet Nurse Shares Life-Saving Tips for Dog Choking Emergencies

In a TikTok demonstration using a soft toy, nurse Jade outlined the steps to take in case of a “total obstruction” of the airway, which can be life-threatening for dogs.

Signs Your Dog is Choking

• Wide, panicked eyes
• Open mouth with no air intake
• Silent distress, often pawing at the face

Jade emphasizes that staying calm is key to effectively helping your pet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Helping a Choking Dog

1. Inspect the Mouth

• Carefully look inside your dog’s mouth.
• If the object is near the front, try to remove it.
• If it’s deeper in the throat, avoid pushing it further down.

2. If a Ball is Lodged

• Lay your dog on its back.
• Bend its neck and push up and out from under the jaw to dislodge the object.

3. Use Gravity and Back Slaps

• Hold your dog in a “wheelbarrow position” to let gravity help.
• Administer five firm back slaps between the shoulder blades.

4. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

• Position your dog upright, with their spine against you.
• Place a fist under their sternum (breastbone) and pull in and up five times.
• For large breeds, lay them on their side and give one strong compression at the widest part of their rib cage.

Jade reminds pet owners that choking incidents rarely play out like in the movies—objects don’t always fly out immediately. It’s essential to keep checking your dog’s mouth to see if the blockage has moved.

Seek Veterinary Help

Even if you successfully remove the object, you should take your dog to the vet for a check-up. If your dog collapses, stops breathing, or has no pulse, begin CPR immediately and contact a vet for emergency guidance.

Many TikTok users praised Jade’s advice, with one owner commenting: “This is life-saving information! My two labs always pick things up, and I’m saving this just in case.”

@jade.the.vet.nurs What to do if your dog is choking and how to perform the Heimlich maneuvre-from a Vet Nurse! Always call your vet for advice in an emergency situation 🚨📞. Save this video because you don’t know if/when you might need it and don’t forget to check out my other videos on lifesaving CPR for dogs! #vetnurse #veterinarynurse #vetnurseadvice #rvn #choking #firstaid #dogfirstaid #lifesaving #heimlich #heimlichmanuever #emergency #vet #dogtok #dogsoftiktok #fyp #viral #dogowner #doglovers #dog ♬ original sound – Jade The Vet Nurse

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