How to Get Foreign Objects From a Dog's Throat

Dogs are curious animals and often eat edible and inedible items as they explore their world. At times, these items may become trapped in their throats. Dogs with foreign objects lodged in their throats are at risk for choking or becoming injured by sharp objects that may puncture the delicate tissue in their throats. If your dog has a foreign object trapped in its throat, you may notice that it is coughing and gagging. There are a few ways you can help dislodge this object before veterinary care is needed.

Things You'll Need

Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Hold your dog upside down with its head facing the ground to help dislodge the foreign object. If you have a large dog, grab its hind legs and lift, forcing its head downward. This can sometimes help your dog cough up the obstruction.
- 2
  Administer a sharp hit to the dog's back between its shoulder blades once with a firm, open palm. This can sometimes jolt the item free from your dog's throat.
- 3
  Have a friend restrain your dog by hugging the dog tightly to their chest. Gently open your dog's mouth and look down its throat. If you can see the foreign object, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the item free. If you cannot get the item out after two attempts, take your dog to the veterinarian.
- 4
  Administer the Heimlich maneuver on your dog if you believe he is choking on the foreign object and you cannot get to the veterinarian in time to save its life. Kneel or stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around him with his legs facing away from you.
- 5
  Make a fist and find the soft, hollow area beneath your dog's rib cage. Place your fist in this space and thrust inward and upward 4 to 5 times. Let go of your dog and check its mouth.
- 6
  Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately even if you are successful in dislodging the foreign object. The object may have cut or damaged the inside of your dog's throat and it may need further care.