Ever had that mini heart-attack moment when your fur baby starts coughing or gagging and you immediately think, "Oh no, they're choking!"? We get it—our pets are like family and their well-being is our top priority. But did you know that not all coughs and gags are chokes? Let's clear the air (and the trachea) about this topic!
Are They Choking or Just Coughing? Know the Difference!
First off, actual choking in pets is pretty rare. It happens when something blocks or squeezes their windpipe, making it tough for them to breathe. Most of the time, what we mistake for choking is actually a less severe issue like tracheobronchitis—fancy speak for kennel cough—that causes coughing or gagging.
The Breath Test: Choking vs. Coughing
Here's a quick way to tell the difference between the two: Watch their inhaling! A choking pet will have a really hard time breathing in, while a coughing pet can inhale relatively easily. This is super important to know because administering first aid for choking on a pet that's only coughing can do more harm than good.
What To Do if You're in Doubt?
If you're not 100% sure what's going on, it's always a good idea to zoom over to the vet for a thorough check-up. Sometimes, they may need to do a deeper investigation using sedation, fiber-optic endoscopes, or x-rays to search for any foreign objects. And by the way, if you do see small bones like the larynx (that's the voice box, folks) on the X-ray, don't panic! These are a normal part of your pet's anatomy and can look a bit unusual simply because this area doesn't get X-rayed often.
If the Pet is Unconscious
- Perform a Finger Sweep: Open your pet's mouth and do a finger sweep. This involves placing your finger along the inside of the mouth, sliding it down towards the center of the throat over the base of the tongue, and gently sweeping toward the center to remove any foreign materials.
- Be careful not to pull the Adam's apple, which feels like a smooth bone deep in the throat.
- Begin Rescue Breathing: Start rescue breathing as described in the CPR article. If air isn't entering the lungs, slap the chest wall firmly or perform the Heimlich maneuver. This involves putting your pet on their back, placing your hands over the abdomen near the bottom of the rib cage, and gently but firmly thrusting towards the spine. Then perform a finger sweep and begin rescue breathing.
- Repeat until the foreign body is cleared, and the lungs can be inflated.
- Take your pet to the vet immediately.
If the Pet is Conscious
- Perform a finger sweep only if it won't agitate the pet.
- Don't do a finger sweep if your pet might bite you.
- Keep calm and try to maintain your pet's calmness.
- If your pet is overheated, cool them with cold water applied to their extremities (ears and feet) and belly.
- Transport them to the nearest vet or veterinary emergency clinic, if available.
- Running the car's air conditioning on the way can help keep your pet cool.
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