How To React To The Risk Of Suffocation In Canines
Your dog’s instinct can work against him. Think, for example, of the habit of catching and biting on objects that are attractive to him. How about catching a small bone or a children’s toy? Swallowing such items can induce suffocation and would require emergency veterinary treatment.
It is highly recommended that, as pet owners, we know the first aid to apply before running to the nearest veterinary clinic.
What is suffocation?
Asphyxia is the state that occurs when the body is not receiving enough oxygen. Such oxygen deficiency is medically known as hypoxia. You should bear in mind that the most common causes of suffocation in a dog are: presence of a foreign body in the throat, drowning or inhalation of toxic substances.
What are the signs of suffocation in dogs?
The first sign of suffocation is extreme anxiety, gasping, or straining to breathe with an extended head and neck. If the lack of oxygen extends over time, the dog will lose consciousness.
As suffocation persists, a state of cyanosis can be observed, the most notable sign of which is the blue hue of the tongue and mucous membranes.
How do you know if a dog has something stuck in its throat?
Commonly, the suspicion of choking comes from the sounds our dog makes. Dogs can cough for many reasons, but one of the most common is having something stuck in the throat.
One aspect that is important when determining if there is something stuck in your dog’s throat is the breed. Some breeds are gluttonous by nature, such as the Labrador, the Golden Retriever, or the Beagle, and they may be more prone to eating something wrong. Other breeds can be prone to suffocation and are known as brachycephalic dogs. Such is the case with pugs, bulldogs and some breeds of mastiff dogs.
What to do if I see my dog swallow something that causes choking?
Before running to the vet, if your dog has something stuck in his throat, you can try these tips:
- Immediately open its muzzle to take a look at the entire cavity and see if you can remove the object with your hand. It is not recommended to remove objects with sharp points or edges, such as splintered bones, needles, scissors, etc.
- If your pet is a small dog, you can tilt its head down as you try to remove the object. For large dogs, raising the hind legs can help.
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver – this is a proven effective life-saving technique in the event of choking. Stand behind the dog, either standing or kneeling. Wrap your arms around him and support his legs with your own legs. From this position, apply pressure behind the ribs, inward and upward, to start coughing or vomiting. The more the dog salivates, the better it is, as this will make it easier for the object to slide.
Medical treatment to remove objects stuck in the throat
First, the doctor will try to locate the foreign body. This is done by taking an X-ray as soon as possible.
Other treatments will be applied at the discretion of the veterinary professional in charge of the emergency. Here are some of the most common treatments for removing objects:
- If less than 48 hours have passed, it could be removed with sedation and endoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a tube with a camera and a clamp that is used to remove the object. The vet can also try the oral application of petroleum jelly if he thinks it is more accessible.
- If 48 hours have passed, the vet will consider doing surgery to remove the foreign body. Part of the problem is that there will already be adhesions to the digestive tract.
Don’t give in to the temptation to self-medicate
It is very important to consult the vet and not medicate your pet with antidiarrheals, antiemetics or pain relievers, since all it will do is hide the symptoms and worsen the solution.
Finally, it is important to emphasize prevention. Do not leave risky objects within reach of your dog, especially in places where it is not supervised. Also be careful what you feed your dog: cooked bones can be very dangerous, as they break and splinter easily, and can get caught in the throat.
