6 Common Causes of Choking in Dogs—and What To Do

6 Common Causes of Choking in Dogs—and What To Do

Few things send a pet parent into panic mode faster than seeing their dog choking. It can happen in an instant—over a bite of kibble, a chewed-up toy, or something your pup grabbed off the ground when you weren’t looking.

We spoke to two veterinarians to understand the most common causes of dog choking and how to help a choking dog. From recognizing the signs to performing the doggy Heimlich, here’s what every dog parent should know.

Can Dogs Choke?

Yes, dogs can absolutely choke—and it can happen to dogs of any age or size. That said, it’s not very common, as dogs can often cough up food or foreign materials stuck in their throat on their own, says Raymond Spragley, DVM, founder of FurPetVo Veterinary Care in Tuckahoe, New York.

Still, it’s important for pet parents to recognize the signs of choking, because when it does happen, it can be life-threatening—and every second counts.

What Is Choking in Dogs?

Choking in dogs occurs when an object blocks the windpipe (trachea) or becomes lodged in the esophagus, putting pressure on the trachea and preventing it from opening normally, Dr. Spragley explains. This can stop air from reaching the lungs, making it hard—or even impossible—for the dog to breathe.

In severe cases, choking can cut off oxygen to the brain, leading to unconsciousness or death if not treated right away.

What Are the Signs of Dog Choking?

According to Michael Hyder, medical director and emergency veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets in Palo Alto, California, common signs of choking in dogs include:

• Distressed behavior, such as pawing at the mouth, panicking, or pacing
• Gagging or retching
• Coughing repeatedly without bringing anything up
• Labored or noisy breathing
• Blue or pale gums or tongue
• Excessive drooling
• Collapse or fainting (in severe cases)

What Causes Choking in Dogs?

Choking in dogs can be caused by a variety of items or situations. Common causes include:

• Foreign object stuck in the throat: Small toys, sticks, bones, or household items like socks, hair ties, or rubber bands can block a dog’s airway if swallowed or chewed.
• Food blockages in the throat: Large chunks of food, rawhide, treats, or kibble that aren’t chewed properly can become lodged in the throat—especially in dogs who gulp their food.
• Esophageal blockage: Sometimes an object doesn’t block the windpipe directly but gets stuck in the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach). If large or positioned just right, it can press against the trachea and interfere with normal breathing.
• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): Dogs with flat faces—such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus—are prone to BOAS. Their shortened skulls can lead to narrow airways, an elongated soft palate, and other structural issues that make breathing more difficult. Their anatomy can make them more vulnerable to airway blockages, especially when overheated, overexcited, or dealing with even mild throat irritation.
• String or thread: Long, thin items such as dental floss, string, or yarn can become wrapped around the tongue or lodged in the throat.
• Swollen throat or allergic reaction: Severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis) can cause swelling in the throat, restricting airflow.

What To Do if Your Dog Is Choking

If your dog is choking, try to stay calm and act quickly. Here’s how to help a choking dog, step by step:

1. Check Their Mouth Carefully

“Gently open their mouth and look for an object,” Dr. Hyder says. “If you can see it clearly and it’s not lodged tightly, you can try to remove it with your fingers—but be careful not to push it farther down.”

Dr. Hyder warns against performing a blind finger sweep—feeling around in your dog’s mouth when you can’t see the object—as this can sometimes cause injury or push the item deeper.

2. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs if Needed

If your dog is conscious but still choking, Dr. Hyder says you can perform a dog-specific first-aid procedure to dislodge the object.

Here’s how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs:

1. Hold them with their back against your chest (small dogs only), stand behind them, or place them in a standing position.
2. Make a fist with one hand and cup your other hand around your fist.
3. Perform five rapid thrusts into the belly, just under the ribs, by thrusting your fist into the belly and up toward the ribs.
4. If this doesn’t dislodge the object, give five sharp blows to your dog’s back between the shoulder blades.
5. If the object still doesn’t dislodge, try lifting their hind legs like a wheelbarrow to encourage the object to slide forward (for medium/large dogs). For small dogs, try holding your dog upside down by their hips/thighs and carefully swing them side to side.
6. Repeat this process until the object is dislodged. Remember to periodically check to see whether the object has dislodged enough to be removed with your fingers.

If the object doesn’t dislodge after several attempts—or your dog becomes unresponsive—lay them on their side, open their mouth, and look for any visible blockage. Call a veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away for guidance. They might instruct you to start rescue breathing and chest compressions—or advise you to go straight to the emergency room.

3. Take Your Dog to an Emergency Pet Clinic

You should take your dog to a pet emergency clinic if:

• Your dog won’t let you open their mouth and/or remove the object
• Your dog is struggling to breathe
• Their gums or tongue turn blue or pale
• They collapse or lose consciousness
• You don’t see an object, but signs persist

4. Call Your Vet

If you are able to remove the object on your own, Dr. Hyder advises that you should still call your vet after the incident—even if your dog seems fine afterward.

“Choking can cause internal injuries to the throat or airway that aren’t visible right away,” he says.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Choking?

“While not all choking can be prevented, there are smart steps you can take to reduce the risk,” Dr. Hyder says.

Choose Toys Wisely

Always choose toys that match your dog’s size and chewing style.

Small toys can be a choking hazard for larger dogs, and aggressive chewers need tough, durable options—like the FurPetVo Power Chew Bundle or the FurPetVo Barkbone.

Homes with dogs of varying sizes who share toys come with extra risks, Dr. Spragley adds. To reduce the chance of choking, make sure each dog has toys suited to their size—and always supervise playtime.

Consider Food Size

There’s a reason dog kibble is labeled by size. “Large dry kibble or treats can pose a problem for small dogs or dogs who eat too fast,” Dr. Hyder says.

To help prevent gulping, consider using slow-feed bowls—available through furpetvo.com—to encourage mindful eating and reduce choking risk.