by Betty Carew

Created on: March 11, 2010

The first signs of choking in a dog are presented with coughing, drooling, gagging, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, pawing at his face, vomiting and clear signs of anxiety and stress. This is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. There are many ways a dog can choke. He can be from in gestation of a foreign object, throat swelling due to allergies, neck injuries or actual hanging from his leash getting caught on a fence post.

In gestation of foreign objects

A dog can choke on his own food if it is large enough and he is a fast eater. A ball that was used to play with your dog as a puppy but that he has outgrown can become lethal for choking. The ball can get caught in his airway and he can eventually choke to death without help. Bones are another hazard for dogs to choke on. These are but a few of the potential choking hazards for dogs. If your dog starts to cough and appears to be in distress and you are unfamiliar with the steps to take with a choking dog you should get your dog to a vet as quickly as possible. You should only attempt to remove the object from his mouth if you are sure you can do so without forcing it deeper into his throat.

Allergies

If your dog has allergies and he comes in contact with whatever he is allergic to it can cause choking. The swelling of his throat can cause the airway to close making it very difficult for him to breath. Your dog may experience symptoms of wheezing and appear to be in distress. This is an emergency and should be treated as such. You have to get your dog to your veterinarian immediately.

Neck injuries

Neck injuries can cause a dog to choke regardless of the cause of the injury. This type of choking is easier to detect as your dog will probably be severely hurt. This type of choking needs an experienced veterinarian to help your dog to breathe. If you have to move your dog with an injury such as this you must make sure that you move him with great care and place him on a hard surfaced carrier so the injury will not worsen. Once again the symptoms will be those of drooling and gasping. Your dog needs immediate help.

Leash choking

Perhaps this is the most avoidable way for a dog to choke. Leashes are designed for dogs but not all leashes are meant to be used on dogs at all times especially the choke chain. This type of leash can be deadly for dogs given the right situation. Also regular leashes can be a potential hazard for dog if they get caught on a fence trying to jump it and cannot make it to the other side. They usually hang there choking. The symptoms for this are few as the tightness of the leash is immediate. Always keep your dog from these types of dangers. If you are lucky enough to get to your dog in time release him immediately and get him to your veterinarian.

It is very important to learn the things you can do for your dog if he starts to choke. Learn the symptoms to watch for and use them, it could save your dog’s life.

Learn more about this author, Betty Carew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.