Choking and Oral Foreign Objects - Vet in Flagstaff

Choking and Oral Foreign Objects

Pets, like children, can choke by chewing on small toys, balls, pieces of toys, bones, rawhides, etc. Often, an object may simply be lodged between teeth or at the back of the throat, and although it does not hinder breathing, it will be extremely annoying to the animal. A true choking victim has the object completely blocking the airway, allowing minimal or no air to pass. These patients are critical, and time is crucial.

Choking and Oral Foreign Objects

Pets, like children, can choke by chewing on small toys, balls, pieces of toys, bones, rawhides, etc. Often, an object may simply be lodged between teeth or at the back of the throat, and although it does not hinder breathing, it will be extremely annoying to the animal. A true choking victim has the object completely blocking the airway, allowing minimal or no air to pass. These patients are critical, and time is crucial.

Signs of Oral Foreign Objects or Choking

Coughing or gagging.
Gasping or inability to breathe or cough.
Pawing at mouth.
Severe drooling/salivation.
Cyanotic mucous membranes (blue/purple gums).

Staggering or loss of consciousness.
Visualization of foreign object in mouth/throat.
Foul odor from the mouth (if the object has been caught for some time).

Signs of Oral Foreign Objects or Choking

Coughing or gagging.
Gasping or inability to breathe or cough.
Pawing at mouth.
Severe drooling/salivation.
Cyanotic mucous membranes (blue/purple gums).
Staggering or loss of consciousness.
Visualization of foreign object in mouth/throat.
Foul odor from the mouth (if the object has been caught for some time).

The best way to prevent your pet from chocking on foreign objects is to:

Do not allow pets to play with small objects.
Ask your veterinarian what size limitations are appropriate for your size pet.
Do not allow your pets to chew on rawhides or similar chewables without supervision.
Once a chew piece gets too small, do not allow further chewing. Throw it away!
Check all toys for removable parts.
Use only chew resistant toys.
Do not give bones as chew toys. Even bones that do not splinter can still cause choking if the animal tries to swallow too large a piece. Other bones can become lodged around the jaw.

First Aid

Heimlich Maneuver

The best way to prevent your pet from chocking on foreign objects is to:

Do not allow pets to play with small objects.
Ask your veterinarian what size limitations are appropriate for your size pet.
Do not allow your pets to chew on rawhides or similar chewables without supervision.
Once a chew piece gets too small, do not allow further chewing. Throw it away!
Check all toys for removable parts.
Use only chew resistant toys.
Do not give bones as chew toys. Even bones that do not splinter can still cause choking if the animal tries to swallow too large a piece. Other bones can become lodged around the jaw.

First Aid

Heimlich Maneuver