PupkeeperFirst aid
Choking: dog first aid
Use this when your dog is struggling to breathe, pawing at its mouth or making choking sounds because something is stuck.
Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can
Find an emergency vetWhat to do
- If your dog can still breathe, keep it calm and go to a vet right away.
- If it can't breathe, give up to 5 firm blows with the flat of your hand on the back of the rib cage, beside the spine.
- If that doesn't work, hold the head lower than the body, or give quick chest or belly thrusts. Be gentle with small or thin dogs.
- Keep trying until the object comes out or you reach the vet. Have someone call ahead.
- If your dog passes out, start CPR. Before giving breaths, look in the mouth and remove any object you can see.
- Once the object is out, take your dog to a vet right away.
Don't
- Don't reach into the mouth of a dog that is awake. You may be bitten or push the object deeper.
- Don't sweep your fingers blindly in the throat.
- Don't skip the vet visit after the object comes out.
Signs
- Struggling to breathe
- Pawing at the mouth
- Choking sounds when breathing or coughing
- Blue lips or tongue
- Collapse
Why
A blocked airway stops air getting in. A coughing dog can still breathe in, but a choking dog struggles to get any air at all.
Sources
- RECOVER Guidelines: First Aid for Dogs and Cats, Clinical Guidelines (J Vet Emerg Crit Care, 2026)
- AVMA: Pet First Aid (client brochure)
- PDSA: First Aid for Choking
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.