4.2.0 Choking & Strangulation (Section IV: Types of Emergencies)︱Pet First Aid Course


Pets can easily choke or become strangulated- these are common emergencies.

Common scenarios where strangulation happens:

  • when pets become ensnared in another pet's collar while wrestling
  • pet's collar becomes caught on something like a fence or tree branch while pet is not supervised
  • pet is tied to a vehicle and the vehicle drives away
  • pet is tied up and pet jumps over a fence, wall or or picnic table
  • pet becomes strangled in a hammock
  • pet becomes strangled in a blanket or towel that has a tear in it

Choking:

  • Pets most often choke on toys (especially balls), food, and sticks

 

Prevention:

  • supervise pets - especially when they are playing with other animals or toys
  • choose toys that are safe (are not small enough to be swallowed or lodged in the airway)
  • identify hazards: woven hammocks, holes in blankets/towels
  • do not tie pets (especially to vehicles) and leave unattended
  • check collars regularly (especially in growing pets) to ensure they are not too tight
  • safety release collars can be helpful for cats that go outdoors (but safest to only allow outdoors with supervision, on leash, or in safe/enclosed "catios")

Choking First Aid

  • care not to push object farther back. care not to get bit.
  • activate emergency response (call for help; mobilize transport to nearest emergency vet)
  • remove object from airway if it can be clearly visualized and easily performed
  • pat the patient on the back/ encourage coughing with pet's head tilted downward
  • Heimlich may be attempted
  • of patient unresponsive/not breathing --> initiate CPR
  • seek immediate emergency veterinary care regardless off whether the object was dislodged or whether there are continued concerns with nea r asphyxia that can progress (non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, airway swelling, etc.).
  • XXT (external eXtraction Technique) : A technique for dislodging objects from the airway of the unconscious patient.
    • XXT Step by Step instructions

      P.S. Veterinary Partner is my preferred and most trusted internet information source for pet owners; the articles are written by veterinarians, and it is the partner site of VIN (an international veterinary information platform).

Strangulation First Aid

  • Care to not get bitten 
  • Release pet from item causing strangulation. Often you will need to use a knife or scissors, so use extreme  care to not injure yourself or others.
  • Care that pet cannot run into dangers (traffic) once released
  • If patient unreponsive/not breathing --> initiate CPR
  • seek immediate emergency veterinary care regardless off whether the object was dislodged or whether there are continued concerns.