I Think My Dog Has Something Stuck In Her Throat

So, the other day, I was chilling on the sofa, scrolling through some utterly fascinating cat videos (don't judge, you do it too!), when my dog, Barnaby – a magnificent, albeit slightly clumsy, Golden Retriever – let out this noise. It wasn't his usual "I'm hungry" whine or his "Squirrel!" yelp. No, this was more of a… gurgle-gag-choke-wheeze situation. My heart did a quick Olympic dive.

My initial thought, naturally, was that he'd somehow managed to swallow the entire remote control. Barnaby has a PhD in creative object consumption. We're talking socks, remote controls, entire squeaky toys (minus the squeaker, of course, that's a delicacy). But this time, the sound was different. It was coming from deeper. Much deeper. Right then, the cat videos were instantly forgotten. It was Barnaby’s airway under siege.

This brings me to a topic that, thankfully, most pet parents don't have to deal with on a daily basis, but when it happens, it’s a full-blown, adrenaline-fueled panic: I think my dog has something stuck in her throat. Yep. That dreaded realization that your furry best friend is in distress, and you’re the only one who can help. Talk about pressure, right?

My Dog Has Something Stuck in Their Throat - Help a Choking Dog

The "Oh Crap" Moment

The sounds Barnaby was making were, to put it mildly, alarming. He was standing, head held low, occasionally trying to cough it up with that desperate, heaving motion that just makes you want to hug them tight and tell them it’ll be okay, even though you have absolutely no idea if it will be. He wasn't completely unable to breathe, thankfully, but it was labored. His eyes were wide, and he kept looking at me with that "Why is this happening to me?" expression that just breaks your heart.

If you’ve ever been in this situation, or even just imagined it, you know that moment. The one where your brain goes into overdrive, trying to process what’s happening while simultaneously screaming at you to do something, anything. Your hands might start to shake a little, and you suddenly question every single decision you’ve ever made that led to this point. Did I not supervise him closely enough? Was that chew toy really safe? Did he eat a Lego again? (Seriously, Barnaby, the Legos are not for eating!)

It’s a terrifying feeling, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But, as with most things in life, being prepared is key. And if you're reading this, chances are you're either in that "oh crap" moment right now, or you're wisely trying to prepare yourself for the possibility. So, let’s break down what to do, what to look for, and what not to do when your dog seems to have a blockage.

Recognizing the Signs: Is It Really Something Stuck?

Before you dive into full-blown panic mode (which, let’s be honest, is a very tempting option), it’s important to try and identify if your dog actually has something stuck in their throat. Sometimes, dogs just have weird coughing fits, or they might be trying to dislodge something from their nose, which can sound eerily similar.

Here are some of the tell-tale signs to watch out for:

Sudden, violent coughing and gagging: This is usually the most obvious sign. They might be trying to hack something up with a lot of effort.
Paw-to-mouth motion: Your dog might be repeatedly pawing at their mouth or face, which is a classic indicator that something is bothering them in that area.
Distress and panic: As I mentioned with Barnaby, their eyes might be wide, they might be panting heavily, or whining excessively. They just look uncomfortable.
Difficulty breathing: This is the big one. If their breathing sounds strained, wheezy, or you can see their chest heaving more than usual, it’s a serious concern.
Drooling: Excessive drooling can sometimes be a sign that they can’t swallow properly because something is in the way.
Cyanosis (bluish tinge to gums or tongue): This is a critical sign of oxygen deprivation and requires immediate emergency veterinary attention. Do not delay!
Collapse: If your dog collapses, it’s an emergency.

Sometimes, it’s not as dramatic as a full-blown choking fit. Your dog might just seem generally unwell, lethargic, or have a reduced appetite. This could indicate something partially lodged or something further down their digestive tract, but for the purpose of this article, we’re focusing on the more immediate, throat-related issues.

What To Do When Every Second Counts

Okay, so you’ve seen the signs, and your gut is screaming, "My dog is choking!" Here's what you should do. And try to keep your cool. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe take a deep, shaky breath first.

1. Stay Calm (As Much As Humanly Possible)

I know, I know. This is the hardest part. But if you’re panicking, your dog will pick up on that energy, and it will only make them more scared and stressed. Take a deep breath. Focus. You’ve got this. Or at least, you need to act like you do for your pup.

2. Assess the Situation Quickly

Is your dog actively choking and unable to breathe, or are they coughing and gagging, trying to dislodge it themselves?

If they are actively choking and unable to breathe (no sound or very little sound): This is an emergency. You need to act fast.
If they are coughing and gagging but still somewhat responsive and able to make noise: Give them a moment to try and clear it themselves. Sometimes, they can!

3. Open Their Mouth and Look

This is where it gets a little… intimate. If your dog is allowing you to do this, gently open their mouth. Use a flashlight if you have one to get a better look. If you can see the object clearly and it's easily accessible, you might be able to carefully try and remove it with your fingers or a pair of tweezers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only do this if you can see the object clearly and can grab it without pushing it further down. If it’s lodged deep, or you’re unsure, do not try to force it. You could do more harm than good. Imagine trying to unstick a gummy bear from your own throat – sometimes pushing it just makes it worse.

4. The Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs (Yes, It’s a Thing!)

If you can’t see the object, or if your dog is truly struggling to breathe, you might need to perform the canine version of the Heimlich maneuver. This is something every dog owner should familiarize themselves with before an emergency happens.

For smaller dogs: Lift them up and hold their back against your chest. Place your fist just below their rib cage and give a few sharp, upward thrusts.

For larger dogs:

Stand or kneel behind your dog.
Wrap your arms around their belly.
Place your fist just below their rib cage.
Give a few sharp, upward thrusts.

Alternatively for larger dogs: Lay them on their side. Stand over them with your knees on either side of their back. Place your hands one on top of the other just below their rib cage and give a few sharp, upward thrusts.

The goal is to create a sudden expulsion of air to force the object out. Again, practice this beforehand if you can (on a willing friend, or just practice the motions) so you’re not fumbling in a crisis.

5. Check Their Mouth Again After Thrusts

After attempting the Heimlich, quickly check their mouth again to see if the object has been dislodged.

6. Get to the Vet – NOW!

If you cannot dislodge the object, or if your dog is still struggling to breathe, you need to get them to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Call them on your way to let them know you’re coming. This will allow them to prepare for your arrival and potentially start treatment as soon as you get there. Time is of the essence here.

What NOT to Do (Seriously, Don't Do These Things)

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to make mistakes. But there are a few things you absolutely should avoid doing.

Panicking and screaming: As mentioned, this will only scare your dog more.
Blindly reaching into their throat: Unless you can clearly see the object and it’s easy to grasp, you risk pushing it further down. This is a recipe for disaster.
Giving them water or food: This could worsen the situation if they can't swallow properly.
Delaying veterinary care: If you’re unsure or the situation isn’t improving, don't wait. Get to the vet.

Barnaby’s Tale: The Resolution (Thank Goodness!)

Back to Barnaby. While I was mentally preparing myself for a full-blown canine Heimlich, he gave one last, monumental heave. And out it came. What was this mysterious throat-dweller? A rogue piece of kibble that had somehow gotten lodged at a most inconvenient angle. A single, solitary, innocent-looking piece of kibble. I swear, I laughed and cried at the same time. The sheer relief was overwhelming.

He then proceeded to look at me as if I had personally orchestrated this entire ordeal and deserved a treat for putting up with it. Typical Barnaby. He went back to his business, occasionally giving his throat a little tentative lick, as if to confirm it was still there and functioning.

This experience, while terrifying, was a stark reminder of how fragile our pets can be and how quickly things can go wrong. It also highlighted the importance of knowing what to do in these situations.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

So, what can you do to minimize the risk of your dog swallowing something they shouldn't?

Supervise Them: Especially when they’re playing with toys or chewing on things. Don’t leave them unattended with items that could be a choking hazard.
Choose Safe Toys: Opt for durable toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits. Avoid toys with small parts that can easily break off.
Be Mindful of What's on the Floor: Keep your floors clear of small objects, especially if you have a dog who likes to "explore" with their mouth. This includes things like coins, small toys, buttons, and yes, even Legos.
Cut Food Appropriately: If you’re feeding your dog larger treats or pieces of food, consider cutting them into smaller, manageable pieces.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Your vet can offer advice on safe chew toys and treats, and can also identify any potential dental issues that might make chewing difficult or lead to swallowing larger pieces.

Having a dog is one of the greatest joys in life. They bring so much love, laughter, and furry chaos into our homes. But with that joy comes responsibility. Knowing how to handle emergencies, even the scary ones like a dog choking, is part of being a responsible pet parent.