Condition4 connections · 2 sources
Choking
Choking is interference with breathing caused by a foreign body in or compressing the trachea (windpipe). True choking is rare in pets; coughing (e.g., kennel cough) is far more commonly mistaken for choking.
Key Facts
- Key distinction: choking = difficulty inhaling; coughing = difficulty exhaling
- Attempting first aid on a coughing (not choking) pet can cause injury
- Heimlich maneuver: place pet on back, thrust gently toward spine at bottom of rib cage
- Finger sweep: slide finger along inside of mouth to remove foreign material
- Do not pull on the hyoid apparatus (Adam's apple) deep in the throat
- Common household choking hazards: string, needles, bones, balls, socks, small toys
- Proper evaluation often requires sedation, endoscopy, or X-rays
- Species: dogs and cats