What to do when your dog makes a sound like something stuck in their throat?
The choking sound, or reverse sneeze, in dogs is often alarming, but is rarely life-threatening. If your dog is making a choking sound, and you suspect something is stuck, immediately assess their breathing and consider first aid or veterinary attention depending on the severity.
Understanding the Choking Sound: More Than Just Something Stuck
Hearing your dog make a gagging, coughing, or rasping sound can be terrifying. While the immediate assumption is often that something is lodged in their throat, it’s important to understand that several other issues can cause similar symptoms. Distinguishing the true cause is crucial for appropriate action. This article will guide you through understanding what to do when your dog makes a sound like something stuck throat?, helping you assess the situation and take appropriate steps to ensure their well-being.
Distinguishing Between Choking and Other Conditions
It’s critical to differentiate between true choking and other conditions that mimic choking.
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True Choking: This occurs when a foreign object completely or partially blocks the airway. Signs include:
- Distress and panic
- Gagging or coughing, often forceful
- Blueish gums or tongue (cyanosis) – a serious sign of oxygen deprivation
- Pawing at the mouth
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
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Reverse Sneezing: This is a spasm of the pharynx, often triggered by allergies, irritants, or excitement. It sounds like the dog is inhaling quickly through their nose, making a snorting or honking sound. It’s usually harmless and self-limiting.
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Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis): This highly contagious respiratory infection causes a dry, hacking cough that sounds like something is stuck in the throat. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms like fever and nasal discharge.
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Heart Disease: Some heart conditions can cause coughing, especially at night or after exercise, due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
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Collapsing Trachea: This condition, common in small breeds, involves the trachea (windpipe) flattening during inhalation, leading to a honking cough or wheezing sound.
First Aid for a Choking Dog
If you suspect your dog is truly choking, immediate action is vital.
- Check the Mouth: Carefully open your dog’s mouth and look for any visible object. If you see something, try to gently remove it with your fingers. Be extremely cautious to avoid being bitten.
- Heimlich Maneuver: If you can’t dislodge the object from the mouth:
- Small dogs: Hold the dog upside down by their hind legs and gently thrust towards the chest.
- Medium to large dogs: Stand behind the dog, wrap your arms around their abdomen just below the ribcage, and make a fist. Place the fist on the abdomen and thrust upwards and forwards sharply.
- Back Blows: For large dogs, try a series of sharp blows between the shoulder blades.
- Seek Veterinary Care: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. The object may have caused damage, or small pieces might remain.
Preventing Choking Hazards
Prevention is always better than cure. Take these steps to minimize the risk of your dog choking:
- Choose appropriate toys: Avoid toys that can be easily chewed into small pieces.
- Supervise playtime: Especially with puppies, supervise their playtime to prevent them from swallowing small objects.
- Avoid giving bones: Bones can splinter and become lodged in the throat.
- Keep small objects out of reach: Ensure that small objects like buttons, coins, and children’s toys are kept out of your dog’s reach.
- Cut food into smaller pieces: For dogs that tend to gulp their food, cut their food into smaller pieces.
- Consider puzzle feeders: Puzzle feeders can slow down eating and reduce the risk of choking.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
While reverse sneezing is often harmless, certain situations warrant immediate veterinary attention:
- True choking with difficulty breathing.
- Blueish gums or tongue.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Persistent coughing that doesn’t resolve.
- Signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Any uncertainty about the cause of the sound.
| Condition | Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————————– |
| True Choking | Distress, gagging, blueish gums, pawing at mouth, collapse | Immediate first aid; seek vet ASAP |
| Reverse Sneezing | Snorting, honking sound; often resolves quickly | Monitor; usually no treatment needed |
| Kennel Cough | Dry, hacking cough; fever; nasal discharge | Vet visit for diagnosis and treatment |
| Heart Disease | Coughing, especially at night or after exercise | Vet visit for diagnosis and management |
| Collapsing Trachea | Honking cough, wheezing; common in small breeds | Vet visit for diagnosis and management |
FAQs About What to do when your Dog Makes a Sound Like Something Stuck in Their Throat?
What is the most common cause of a dog making a choking sound?
The most common cause of a dog making a choking sound is often reverse sneezing, which is a spasm of the pharynx. However, it’s crucial to rule out true choking by checking for signs of distress and difficulty breathing. Kennel cough is also a common cause, presenting with a dry, hacking cough.
How can I tell if my dog is choking versus reverse sneezing?
True choking involves visible distress, difficulty breathing, and potentially blueish gums. Reverse sneezing typically involves a snorting or honking sound and resolves quickly without affecting the dog’s breathing. Watch closely for the presence of labored breathing or distress to distinguish the two.
What should I do immediately if I see my dog choking?
Immediately check your dog’s mouth for any visible obstructions. If you see something, gently try to remove it with your fingers, being careful to avoid being bitten. If you can’t remove it, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Seek veterinary care immediately, even if you successfully dislodge the object.
Can allergies cause my dog to make a choking sound?
Yes, allergies can trigger reverse sneezing or coughing in dogs, which can sound like choking. Allergens can irritate the nasal passages and pharynx, causing spasms. If allergies are suspected, consult with your veterinarian about allergy testing and management options.
What is kennel cough, and how is it treated?
Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a dry, hacking cough. Treatment typically involves rest, cough suppressants, and sometimes antibiotics. Vaccination is available to help prevent kennel cough.
Is it safe to give my dog human cough medicine?
It is generally not safe to give your dog human cough medicine without consulting with your veterinarian. Many human medications contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Always seek professional veterinary advice before administering any medication.
How can I prevent my dog from choking?
Preventing choking involves choosing appropriate toys that are durable and not easily chewed into small pieces. Supervise your dog during playtime, keep small objects out of reach, avoid giving bones, and consider cutting food into smaller pieces or using a puzzle feeder to slow down eating.
What are the symptoms of a collapsing trachea in dogs?
A collapsing trachea is a condition where the windpipe flattens during inhalation, leading to a honking cough or wheezing sound. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or excitement, and a blueish tinge to the gums.
Is reverse sneezing dangerous for dogs?
Reverse sneezing is generally harmless and self-limiting. It’s typically triggered by irritants or allergies and usually resolves within a few minutes. However, if reverse sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
When should I take my dog to the vet if they are making a choking sound?
You should take your dog to the vet immediately if they are showing signs of true choking, such as difficulty breathing, blueish gums, or loss of consciousness. Also, consult with your veterinarian if the choking sound is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms like fever or lethargy, or if you are unsure of the cause.
Can heart disease cause my dog to cough or make a choking sound?
Yes, some heart conditions can cause coughing, especially at night or after exercise, due to fluid buildup in the lungs. This fluid can irritate the airways and cause a coughing or gagging sound. If you suspect heart disease, consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis and management.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to choking or respiratory issues?
Yes, certain breeds are more prone to specific respiratory issues. Small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians are predisposed to collapsing tracheas. Brachycephalic breeds (those with short noses), like Bulldogs and Pugs, are prone to breathing difficulties due to their anatomy. It’s important to be aware of breed-specific predispositions.