An object stuck in the dog’s throat is an emergency that warrants prompt action by the owner and an urgent trip to the vet’s office. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain what to do in case your dog has something stuck in their throat.
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Content:
- Signs Dog Has Something Stuck in Throat
- What to Do if Your Dog Has Something Stuck in Their Throat
- Dog Has Something Stuck in Throat Home Remedy
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Signs Dog Has Something Stuck in Throat
The signs of a dog having something stuck in its throat vary in intensity, depending on whether the obstruction is partial or complete, but usually include the following:
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble swallowing
- Gagging and retching
- Coughing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Refusing to eat
- General distress
“The symptoms can be initially very exaggerated but then “go away” as your pet gets used to the feeling of something stuck in his throat,” warns Justine A. Lee, DVM, in an article for Pet Health Network.
It is impossible to keep a constant eye on your dog. A good alternative is to get the Petcube Pet Camera to ensure ongoing supervision.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Something Stuck in Their Throat
If your dog has something in its throat but is not choking, you must take it to the vet’s office immediately. Throat obstructions are emergencies.
Veterinarians remove foreign objects via three main techniques: blind retrieval, endoscopy, and mainstream surgery. The exact approach is chosen based on the obstruction’s cause, size, and location.
Having a foreign object removed from the dog’s throat costs around $500 to $3000, depending on the type of procedure used to retrieve the object.
To reduce expenses, we suggest the Petcube Emergency Fund. It covers $3,000 in emergency vet bills and offers unlimited access to online vets.
For reading this article, you can get the fund at a 27% discount by using this link.
Dog Has Something Stuck in Throat Home Remedy
Partial or complete esophageal obstruction caused by something stuck in the dog’s throat cannot be managed at home. Natural home remedies are not efficient in retrieving the stuck object.
When dealing with a dog that has something stuck in its throat, the recommended step is to take it to the vet’s office. However, if the dog is choking, you must:
- Gently restrain the dog to prevent bites and injuries
- Open the dog’s mouth and do a finger swipe to check for foreign objects
- Perform a canine version of the Heimlich maneuver or CPR
- Seek immediate vet attention while continuing the CPR if necessary
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Something Stuck in his Throat?
You can know something is stuck in your dog’s throat based on the following signs:
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble swallowing
- Gagging and retching
- Coughing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Refusing to eat
- General distress
The veterinarian will confirm your suspicions after the examination.
What Is a Home Remedy for a Dog with Something Stuck in its Throat?
There are no home remedies for dogs with something stuck in their throats. Staying calm and going to the vet’s office the the best thing you can do for your dog.
Conclusion
A dog with something stuck in its throat is a medical emergency. Owners can make a quick finger swap in the mouth or the Heimlich maneuver as a first aid but vet attention is still urgently needed.
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