2 Minutes Could Save Your Dog’s Life

An adorable, fluffy orange and white kitten lying on a soft bed, batting at a feather wand toy.

When a cat suddenly starts scratching at its mouth nonstop or a dog suddenly gulps down food and then suddenly bends over coughing violently, what looks like a small accident might actually be a race against time... Our furry friends, driven by curiosity or hunger, can accidentally swallow small objects—like chunks of treats, toy parts, or household trinkets. If these foreign objects get stuck in their airway and block it completely, it causes choking. Without immediate help within minutes, it can turn fatal. This danger doesn’t just threaten human kids; it quietly threatens our beloved pets too.

The Golden Window: Only 2 Minutes to Act

When an emergency like this happens, rushing to the vet often takes 10, 20, even 30 minutes or more. That’s why recognizing choking and knowing how to give first aid right away is critical. What can you do at home to give your pet a fighting chance before professional help arrives?

Below, we’re sharing essential steps to handle airway obstruction emergencies. Save this info—hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but if you do, it could save your furry companion’s life.

Diagram of Cat Heimlich Maneuver Step 1: Holding a choking cat upright against the chest with its legs dangling freely to prepare for abdominal thrusts.
Cat Heimlich Maneuver Step 2 illustrating abdominal thrust techniques. The diagram shows different hand placements—using a fist for large cats and fingertips for small cats—to perform quick upward thrusts under the ribs to expel foreign objects.
Cat Heimlich Maneuver Step 3 showing the inverted back blow method. If abdominal thrusts are ineffective, the illustration shows holding the cat by the hips, head dangling downward, and firmly patting its back with an open palm to expel the obstruction.
Cat Heimlich Maneuver Step 4 depicting clearing oral foreign objects. The illustration shows the correct method of gently sweeping a finger through the cat's mouth after emergency maneuvers to check for and remove any loosened objects.

Heimlich Maneuver Steps for Small Dogs

Refer to the illustration below to learn how to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver on small dogs. The movements should be quick and firm, focusing on the correct abdominal position and force to effectively dislodge the obstruction.

Diagram illustrating Step 1 of the Heimlich maneuver for small dogs: standing behind the dog and wrapping arms around it, positioning the forearm just below the rib cage.
Illustration of hand positioning for Step 2 of the canine Heimlich maneuver: making fists and placing them below the ribcage in the soft area between the chest and abdomen to perform 5 quick, firm inward and upward thrusts.
Demonstration of Step 3 of the Heimlich maneuver for dogs: delivering 5 firm palm strikes between the dog's shoulder blades if the object has not been expelled.
Illustration of Step 4 for the small dog Heimlich maneuver: supporting the dog near the groin with its head dangling downward and gently rocking it side to side.
Diagram showing Step 5 of the canine Heimlich maneuver: carefully checking the dog's mouth to see if the object is expelled or loose enough to remove by hand, using extreme caution to avoid bites.

Heimlich Maneuver Steps for Large Dogs

The following illustration shows the Heimlich maneuver procedure for large dogs. Compared to small dogs, you’ll need to apply greater strength and steadier movements to fully clear the airway and ensure your pet’s safety.

Diagram illustrating Step 1 of the Heimlich maneuver for large dogs: standing behind the dog, wrapping arms around its torso, and positioning hands just below the rib cage.
Close-up illustration of hand positioning for Step 2 of the canine Heimlich maneuver: making fists and placing them in the soft area just below the rib cage, between the chest and abdomen, to perform 5 quick, firm inward and upward thrusts.
Illustration demonstrating Step 3 of the Heimlich maneuver for large dogs: delivering 5 firm palm strikes between the dog's shoulder blades if the object has not been expelled.
Diagram illustrating Step 4 of the large dog Heimlich maneuver, also known as the "wheelbarrow" technique: lifting the dog's hind legs and supporting them in a wheelbarrow position while gently pushing the body forward to utilize gravity to help expel the object.
Illustration showing Step 5 of the canine Heimlich maneuver: carefully checking the dog's mouth to confirm if the object has been expelled or is loose enough to be removed by hand, using extreme caution to avoid being bitten.

How to Spot Choking in Pets

Look for coughing, rapid breathing, drooling, noisy or labored breaths, pawing at the face, anxiety, or panic behavior. These can all be signs of airway blockage.

If your pet’s gums or tongue change from healthy pink to a bluish or purplish hue, it means oxygen isn’t getting through—this is a serious sign of choking.

If possible, carefully check inside their mouth for any visible objects. Gently hold your pet still, open their mouth, and pull the tongue forward—but be cautious to avoid getting bitten.

  • If you see sharp or string-like objects, don’t try to remove them yourself.

  • For blunt objects like treat pieces, beads, or coins, you can try to carefully remove them by hand.

  • If you can’t see anything or your pet resists opening their mouth, don’t force it—this might push the object deeper and worsen the choking.

If you can’t remove the object by hand, try the Heimlich maneuver.

Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs and Cats

You may have heard of the Heimlich maneuver—it’s a life-saving technique created in 1974 for humans but it works just as well for pets.

How to Do It Based on Your Pet’s Size

Small dogs and cats: Use firm, quick abdominal thrusts as shown in step-by-step guides (you can find many online or in pet first aid manuals).

Pro tip: Practice on a plush toy similar in size to your pet, so you’re ready if an emergency happens.

If the object is expelled but your pet isn’t breathing, start CPR immediately.

Even if your pet recovers breathing, you should rush to the vet for a thorough checkup right after.

Preventing Airway Blockage Before It Happens

  • Choose food and treats appropriate for your pet’s size.

  • Don’t disturb pets while they’re eating. For fast eaters, use a slow feeder bowl.

  • Keep small household items out of reach.

  • Pick sturdy, non-breakable toys.

  • Avoid giving chew treats unsupervised, especially when no one is watching.

Taking care of our pets means not only loving them daily but staying calm and knowing what to do in emergencies.

If you want to keep your beloved pet’s memory close—whether as a tribute or a comforting reminder—you might consider custom pet gifts that celebrate their unique spirit. Our hand-painted custom glass pet portraits are perfect pet memorial gifts, capturing your furry friend’s essence in beautiful pet portrait paintings.

For a more personal keepsake, check out our Paw Print Necklace —a custom pet necklace that doubles as projection jewelry, letting you carry a tiny light of your pet wherever you go.

Or explore our elegant Pet Memorial Bracelet , a meaningful projection bracelet that shines with memories of your furry companion.

Share this article with family and friends who love pets—because every person who knows these life-saving steps is one more chance to protect a precious life from choking dangers.

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