Dog Coughing Causes

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Posted by Bobbie | Posted in cure | Posted on 19-08-2005

Tags: causes of dog coughing and gagging, dog, dog coughing causes, dog coughing up blood causes, dogs, old

Helping A Choking Dog

Putting objects in their mouths is the dogs' way of familiarizing with their environment and satisfying their curiosities. As a result, dogs would swallow bones, stones, plastic toys, slivers of wood and big chunks of food. Choking is one of the most common reasons why dogs are rushed to veterinary clinics. The swallowed object can create a blockage that will obstruct the airways. Chocking is an extremely dangerous situation that would need first aid lest it results to the death of the dog.

Chocking can happen to any dog thus an owner has the responsibility of knowing what must be done to help the pet. It would be ideal if the pet can be taken to an animal hospital right away but if it is not possible the owner's first aid know how will save the life of the pet.

Coughing can at times be mistaken as chocking. No pet parent would like to have a chocking dog in her hand but it is necessary to know if the dog is really choking and not simply coughing. Chocking first aid on a coughing dog would have disastrous results. A total or partial airway obstruction can be created by a swallowed object that gets lodged in the throat. Stuck swallowed object that is not removed can result to the death of the dog.

Gagging and vomiting are signs that a dog's airway is blocked. A choking dog would continuously paw at the mouth and salivate excessively. It would be apparent that the dog finds it hard to breathe. Opening the dog's mouth would be the most common reaction of a person with a chocking pet. Because of the stress, a normally gentle pet can turn into an aggressive dog. Be very cautious in opening the dog's mouth. As a precautionary measure against dog bite position the lips of the dog between the teeth and your fingers. Another person can help in restraining the dog. After opening the mouth use a finger to gently feel for foreign object. Tweezers or long nosed pliers can be used to remove the foreign object that causes the chocking, however be very careful not to cause the dog further harm.

If choking is caused by an object that is not visible, dislodging the blockage can be done by using the Heimlich maneuver. For a medium sized dog, you can grasp the hind legs and position the pet in a wheel barrow style. After the dog has assumed the wheel borrow position use a fist on the last rib to push the abdomen until the blockage is removed.

Sarah's Dogs has more information about what to do if your dog is choking and first aid for dogs.

Dog Coughing - Coughing in Dogs