Emergency Guides

Access step-by-step guides for common pet emergencies. Know exactly what to do when every second counts.

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CRITICAL URGENCY

Choking

Airway obstruction from food, toys, or foreign objects

Signs & Symptoms
  • Pawing at mouth
  • Gagging or retching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blue-tinged gums or tongue
  • Panic or distress
  • Coughing forcefully
What To Do
  1. 1Check if you can see the object in mouth
  2. 2If visible, try to remove with fingers (be careful of bites)
  3. 3For small dogs: hold upside down, give 5 back blows
  4. 4For large dogs: Heimlich maneuver - thrust below ribcage
  5. 5If dog is unconscious, check airway and give rescue breaths
What NOT To Do
  • Don't blindly sweep fingers in throat
  • Don't push object further down
  • Don't panic - work quickly but calmly
  • Don't delay getting to vet if object won't dislodge
Seek Veterinary Care When
  • Object cannot be removed
  • Dog loses consciousness
  • Breathing doesn't return to normal
  • Any injury to mouth or throat
  • Dog continues to gag after object removed

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