US
How to Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver If Your Dog Is Choking
By: Spot & Tango
A choking dog needs fast action—learn step-by-step how to safely perform the Heimlich maneuver and what signs to watch for in an emergency.
You're enjoying a quiet moment at home when suddenly, your dog starts gagging. Their eyes widened. They paw at their mouths. Panic sets in, yours and theirs.
It’s every dog parent’s nightmare: your pup is choking, and you don’t know what to do.
While choking emergencies in dogs aren't extremely common, when they do happen, every second counts. Unlike people, dogs can’t communicate what’s wrong—or perform the Heimlich on themselves. That’s why learning how to do the Dog Heimlich Maneuver could make the difference between life and tragedy.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:
- How to tell if your dog is truly choking
- How to safely perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver (based on your dog’s size)
- What to do after the object is removed
- And how to help prevent choking in the first place
Let’s empower you with the tools and confidence to act fast and keep your dog safe—when it matters most.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Choking
The first step in any choking emergency is recognizing what’s really going on. Dogs can gag or cough for harmless reasons (like clearing their throat), but if their airway is partially or fully blocked, you need to act quickly.
Common Signs of Choking in Dogs:
- Gagging or retching without producing anything
- Pawing frantically at the mouth
- Labored or noisy breathing
- Excessive drooling or foaming
- Panic behavior (restlessness, pacing, or whining)
- Bluish or pale gums or tongue (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
- Collapse or unresponsiveness in severe cases
According to the American Red Cross, choking is most often caused by items like bones, rawhide, toys, or household objects that are too small or easily swallowed.
Pro Tip: If your dog can cough, breathe, or swallow even slightly, avoid immediately attempting the Heimlich. In mild cases, they may be able to dislodge the object themselves. But if their breathing is clearly obstructed or they begin to panic or collapse—step in right away.
Safety First — What to Do Before You Perform the Heimlich
We get it—your instinct is to help immediately. But before jumping into action, it’s important to take a breath and follow a few safety-first steps. Acting too quickly without assessing the situation can risk further injury to your dog—or yourself.
Step 1: Stay Calm
Dogs pick up on our energy. If you panic, they panic more. Speak to your dog in a calm, steady voice while preparing to intervene.
Step 2: Restrain If Necessary
If your dog is flailing or panicking, they may unintentionally bite or scratch. Use a leash, towel, or gentle hold to stabilize them, especially around the mouth and neck.
Step 3: Open the Mouth and Look Inside
- Gently open your dog’s mouth and inspect for any visible object.
- Use a small flashlight if needed to get a clearer view.
- If you see the object and it’s easily reachable, try removing it with your fingers or a soft tool (like the handle of a spoon).
Caution: Never attempt a blind finger sweep. If you can’t see the object, reaching in blindly could push it deeper or cause trauma to the throat.
How to Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver
Once you've confirmed your dog is choking and cannot breathe, it’s time to act fast. The Dog Heimlich Maneuver is a life-saving first aid technique that helps force an obstruction out of your dog’s airway—similar to how it works in humans.
Because dog sizes vary so greatly, it’s important to use the correct technique based on your dog’s size.
For Small Dogs (Under 30 lbs)
Option 1: Pick Up Method
Gently lift your dog so they’re upside down, with their back against your chest.
Use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
Then, turn them upright and perform abdominal thrusts.
Option 2: Abdominal Thrusts
Place your dog on their back or hold them with their spine against your body.
Use one hand to locate the soft area just below the ribcage.
With the other hand, apply five quick, upward thrusts toward the chest—like you're trying to push air up and out.
After each set of thrusts, check the mouth to see if the object has been dislodged. Repeat as needed until breathing resumes or the object is expelled.
For Medium and Large Dogs (Over 30 lbs)
Step-by-Step: Standing Position
Stand behind your dog while they are standing or kneeling.
Wrap your arms around their belly, just behind the ribcage.
Make a fist with one hand and place it under the dog’s abdomen, below the ribcage.
Place your other hand over your fist.
Perform five quick inward and upward thrusts, similar to the human Heimlich.
If Your Dog Has Collapsed:
- Lay them on their side.
- Place your hands just below the ribcage.
- Apply five firm compressions in an inward and upward motion.
- Check the mouth after each round.
Important: If your dog becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, immediately begin CPR and rush to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
What to Do After the Object Is Removed
Success! The object is out, and your dog is breathing again. But don’t let your guard down just yet—choking can leave behind serious internal damage, even if your pup seems fine.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Check Breathing & Behavior
- Is your dog breathing normally?
- Are they alert and responsive?
- Is there any wheezing, gagging, or lethargy?
If anything feels off, treat it as an emergency.
2. Visit Your Veterinarian — Even If They Seem Fine
A foreign object in the throat can cause:
- Tearing or bruising of the airway or esophagus
- Swelling that may worsen hours later
- Infections from small fragments left behind
According to PetMD, dogs who’ve experienced choking should always be examined post-incident to check for complications.
3. Watch for Delayed Symptoms
Even hours or days after the incident, monitor your pup for:
- Coughing or gagging
- Loss of appetite
- Heavy panting or shallow breathing
- Changes in behavior (withdrawn, anxious, lethargic)
These may be signs of lingering inflammation or trauma that needs treatment.
Spot & Tango Tip: Feeding your dog soft, human-grade food, like Spot & Tango’s Fresh Recipes, can reduce the risk of choking during meals. Our recipes are designed for easier chewing and swallowing, especially helpful for puppies, seniors, and small breeds.
When to Skip the Heimlich and Go Straight to the Vet
While the Dog Heimlich Maneuver can be life-saving, there are situations where professional veterinary care is the safest and only option.
Here’s when not to attempt the Heimlich on your own:
1. The Object Is Not Visible, and Your Dog Is Still Breathing
If your dog is breathing—even with difficulty—don’t immediately attempt forceful abdominal thrusts. You could accidentally cause internal injury or push the object deeper.
2. Your Dog Is Aggressively Resisting or Panicking
A distressed, choking dog may snap or flail, increasing the risk of injury to both of you. If you can't safely restrain them, secure the dog as best you can and head straight to the vet
3. The Object Is Deeply Lodged or Puncturing Tissue
Sharp or large objects like bone shards, plastic toys, or sticks can embed in the throat. Trying to dislodge them without the right tools can do more harm than good.
4. Your Dog Has Lost Consciousness
Skip the Heimlich and begin CPR immediately, while someone calls the emergency vet. Time is critical.
Vet Insight: “The Heimlich is a last resort. If you're unsure, your best move is to stabilize and get to a vet immediately,” says Dr. Rachel Mendez, DVM.
Preventing Choking in Dogs: Smart Steps You Can Take
While you can’t prevent every emergency, many choking incidents are avoidable with a few proactive habits.
Here are the most common choking hazards for dogs—and how to keep your pup safe.
Top Choking Hazards:
- Cooked bones (especially chicken and pork)
- Rawhide chews (especially when chewed to a soggy nub)
- Small balls or toys (tennis balls for large dogs or squeaky toys with loose parts)
- Sticks or wood fragments
- Frayed rope toys that unravel
- Human items like socks, hair ties, or children’s toys
How to Prevent Choking:
- Choose size-appropriate toys: Always match toy size to your dog’s mouth size.
- Supervise chewing sessions: Especially with new or high-risk toys.
- Avoid fast eating: Use slow-feeder bowls or puzzles for gulpers.
- Inspect toys regularly: Toss damaged or heavily worn toys immediately.
- Stick to soft, easy-to-chew food: Avoid large, hard kibble—especially for puppies and senior dogs.
Spot & Tango Safety Tip: Our Fresh and UnKibble recipes use real, gently cooked ingredients that are easy to chew and swallow—especially important for small breeds, puppies, and dogs with dental issues.
Expert Tips for Staying Prepared
Knowing what to do during an emergency is crucial—but being prepared before one happens can make all the difference.
Here’s how to get ready:
1. Learn Pet First Aid
Enroll in a pet CPR and first aid course through the American Red Cross or a local vet clinic. Hands-on practice builds muscle memory—so you’ll be calm, not panicked.
2. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Have a printed or digital list of:
- Your primary vet’s phone number
- 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals nearby
- ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
3. Build a Pet First Aid Kit
Essentials to include:
- Latex gloves
- Gauze and antiseptic wipes
- Blunt tweezers or hemostats
- Emergency muzzle
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Bottled water
4. Practice Handling & Mouth Checks
Train your dog to feel comfortable with you examining their mouth. Regular practice makes emergency checks faster and less stressful—for both of you.
Be Calm. Be Ready. Be Your Dog’s Hero.
Choking is one of the scariest emergencies a dog owner can face—but being prepared makes all the difference.
Now that you know how to perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver, when to act (and when not to), and how to prevent choking risks at home, you're in a stronger position to protect your pup when it matters most.
And while we hope you never have to use this knowledge, your dog will thank you for being ready—just in case.
Reduce Mealtime Choking with Smarter Nutrition
Feeding plays a huge role in safety. At Spot & Tango, we design our Fresh and UnKibble meals to be easy to chew and safe for dogs of all ages and sizes.
- No sharp kibble or compressed chunks
- Gently cooked, whole ingredients
- Portion-controlled for your dog’s unique needs
Take the quiz to get your personalized meal plan and help reduce your dog’s risk of choking—starting with their next bowl.
FAQs About the Dog Heimlich Maneuver
Q: Can I perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a puppy?
Yes, but with extreme care. Puppies are more fragile than adult dogs. Use very gentle pressure when performing abdominal thrusts, or rely on gravity and back blows if possible. If you're unsure, head straight to your vet or the emergency clinic.
Q: Is it safe to try the Dog Heimlich if I’m not sure my dog is choking?
If your dog is breathing, coughing, or swallowing—even with difficulty—do not attempt the Heimlich Maneuver. Instead, monitor closely and call your vet. Use the Heimlich only when you’re confident the airway is blocked.
Q: What if I can't get the object out?
If the object doesn’t dislodge after repeated thrusts and your dog is in distress, seek emergency vet care immediately. Continue attempting abdominal thrusts en route, especially if your dog becomes unconscious.
Q: Should I still take my dog to the vet even if they seem fine afterward?
Absolutely. Even if your dog appears normal after choking, internal injuries, swelling, or small fragments left behind can cause complications hours later. A veterinary exam ensures nothing was missed.
Q: Can feeding habits increase choking risk?
Yes. Dogs that eat too quickly, gulp large kibble, or chew on hard treats are more likely to choke. Using slow-feeder bowls and feeding soft, easy-to-chew food—like Spot & Tango’s Fresh meals—can help reduce this risk.