Choking on an object (bone, toy, string)
CRITICAL
Choking on an object (bone, toy, string)
Respiratory
The airway is blocked. You have 2-3 minutes to clear it before the brain runs short of oxygen.
Symptoms to watch for
- ▸ Pawing at the mouth/throat non-stop
- ▸ Dry coughing that brings nothing up
- ▸ Open-mouth breathing with no sound
- ▸ Gums turning red then purple
- ▸ Panic, running about frantically
- ▸ Fainting if it lasts more than 2 minutes
DO THIS NOW (in order)
- 1 Open the mouth gently — if you can CLEARLY see the object and grip it easily, pull it out with tweezers (never reach deep with your fingers)
- 2 If you cannot see it: hold a small pet head-down for a few seconds and tap gently between the shoulder blades
- 3 Large dog: do the Heimlich — stand behind your dog, wrap your arms around the belly just below the ribs, thrust inward and upward 3-5 times
- 4 Cat: press the belly just below the ribs gently towards the spine 3 times
- 5 Call the clinic as soon as it is out — even if the object came free, the throat may be injured
NEVER DO THIS
- ✕ DO NOT reach deep into the mouth — a reflex bite is very dangerous
- ✕ DO NOT slap the back hard instead of doing the Heimlich (it does not work and hurts the chest)
- ✕ DO NOT force water or oil down (it causes more choking)
- ✕ DO NOT wait for it to 'come up on its own' once your pet starts turning blue
Getting there safely
If it has cleared — go to the vet anyway to check for damage to the throat lining. If it is still blocked — call the 1900 emergency vet line and keep doing the Heimlich on the way.
While you wait for the vet
- ▸ Watch the gums (pink → fine, purple → still short of oxygen)
- ▸ Count breaths every minute
- ▸ If your pet faints → check the pulse and start CPR (see the CPR guide)
- ▸ Keep your pet sitting or standing, never on their back
RED FLAG — get emergency care right away if you see:
- Blue-purple gums for more than 30 seconds
- Loss of consciousness
- No movement at all
- Loud high-pitched breathing (stridor)
This guide does NOT replace a vet's diagnosis. Always contact the clinic, even if your pet seems fine.