Hello everyone – Buddy here,
The other day I was playing with one of my favorite toys and OOPs, I started choking on it! Luckily, my Human saw and saved me. I’m VERY THANKFUL she knew what to do!!
It made me think… would you, my dear Human readers, know what to do if your furry friend was choking on a toy or some food? It can be ‘the end of the leash’ if they cannot breathe!
So, I got on my Mom’s computer to found some useful tips. Here’s what your Humans can do if we dogs or cats start choking…
Helping your Pet
Step 1: Open your fur buddy’s mouth to see if you can pull out what is there. Use your index finger if you can safely do a “finger sweep”. Be careful not to get bitten. (You know we wouldn’t really mean it!)
Step 2: After step 1, try the Cat or Dog Heimlich Maneuver.
Step 3: If steps 1 & 2 don’t work, start CPR. This will be described below.
Heimlich Maneuver for Cats and Dogs
Taylor: “What’s the Cat or Dog Heimlich Maneuver?”
Similar to people-Heimlich, it’s a way to get you to cough up what you’re choking on.
In my research, I found some info on these websites: Animal Emergency Center, Hills Pet, and Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
How to Perform the Cat or Dog Heimlich Maneuver
For small dogs:
- Carefully hold your dog on your lap and turn them onto their back, then using the palm of your hand apply pressure right beneath the rib cage and push firmly inwards and upwards 5 times in a thrusting motion. Roll your dog back onto their side and check their mouth for the food or object that was causing the issue.
- You can also use the standing method, like for large dogs
For large dogs:
- If your dog is standing, place your arms around its belly and make a fist with your hands. Push up and forward just behind the rib cage.
- If the dog is lying down on his side, place one hand on its back and use the other hand to squeeze the abdomen upward.
- Check and remove anything that comes out. Do another finger sweep just to check.
For cats:
- Hold your kitty with her back against your chest and her feet hanging.
- Use your hands to push on her belly gently but firmly in quick, upward thrusts, about five times.
- If this doesn’t work, hold kitty up by her back hips with her head down. Tap your hand firmly against her back and check her mouth again.
After performing the Heimlich Maneuver on your furry friend, go to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately!
What if your Humans are still unsuccessful in getting you breathing? Then CPR is necessary.
CPR for Cats & Dogs
Mango: “A Cat Power Rub? Really?”
No Mango, CPR stands for for Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.
And Humans should Only do CPR if you are not breathing and have no pulse.
Here are CPR basics that the American Red Cross recommends. They also recommend your Humans take their Online Course (before an accident): https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/cat-dog-first-aid
Step 1: Giving chest compressions:
- For cats and small dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
CPR chest compression for a dog
- For barrel-chested dogs like Bull Dogs, Labradors and Mastifs: place your buddy on his back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum (chest bones), and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.
- For deep-chested dogs like Dobermans, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
Push down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully before compressing again. Do 30 of these chest compressions.
Step 2: Give rescue breaths by gently closing the pet’s mouth and by stretching the neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and blow in until you see the chest rise. Immediately give a second rescue breath. This sounds kind of gross to read about – but will be easy to do when you’re in the situation!
Repeat steps 1 and 2
Step 3: Check for breathing and a heartbeat every 2 minutes. It would also be ideal if you can continue CPR while another Human drives you to a veterinary hospital.
In all cases, bring your furry buddy to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately!
These are important skills for your Human Mom or Dad!
Knowing what to do in a situation can save a furry life!
Some Videos to Help You Learn
Credit: First Aid for Life
Credit: Jeffers
Ok… On a happier note, all of us at Cats n Dogs congratulate our friend Miley who is going to have puppies in a few weeks from now! We’re so excited and happy for you! Arrrooooooooo! We’ll talk more about that next month.
That’s all for now. Thank you, furry fans for reading this month’s blog. We hope you have a safe & happy Fall.
And – Come visit us at the store! You and your Humans can get your Holiday Shopping started right now; with all the cool stuff we have in!!
With a Wuf Wuf and a Meeoow,
Buddy, Taylor & Mango
Q: Which dog breed is Dracula’s favorite?
A: Bloodhounds.
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