My pet is choking

Hard coughing, pawing at the mouth, trouble breathing: what to try at home and when to stop and rush to the vet.

What to do, step by step

1. 1If the animal is coughing and breathing, let it cough: it often expels the object on its own. Do not shake or frighten it.
2. 2Open the mouth carefully and check whether the object is visible; only remove it if you can grip it well (tweezers). Do not poke blindly: you may push it deeper.
3. 3If it is not breathing: small dogs and cats, hold them head down and give firm blows between the shoulder blades; large dogs, do quick inward-and-upward thrusts just below the ribs (Heimlich manoeuvre).
4. 4As soon as it breathes, or if you cannot manage within seconds, go straight to the emergency vet: there may be internal injuries or pieces left.
5. 5Prevention: no cooked bones, small toys, fruit stones or corks within reach.

Useful contacts

• Veterinário de urgência da sua zona

  Call before leaving home so the clinic can get ready. On patuco: Emergency › 24h veterinarian.

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General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.