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Urgencias

Choking

Obstruction of the airway by an object or food. It prevents breathing. It is an emergency measured in seconds to minutes.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY: if your pet cannot breathe, its gums turn blue or it paws at its mouth in panic, act within seconds and go to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Sudden, frantic efforts to breathe, panic
  • • Intense, unproductive coughing, retching
  • • Pawing at the mouth
  • • Gums turning bluish
  • • Loss of consciousness if the obstruction is complete

Causes

Pieces of food that are too large, bones, small toys, balls. Breeds that eat very fast or play with small objects are at greater risk.

Diagnosis

The situation is obvious. There is no time for tests.

Treatment

EMERGENCY: if the animal is still breathing at all, go to the vet NOW. If it is collapsing, you can try to remove the object if it is visible (without pushing it in further) or perform airway-clearing manoeuvres. Afterwards, ALWAYS seek veterinary care.

Prevention

Cut food into pieces, avoid toys and balls that are too small for the animal's size, supervise play, use slow-feeder bowls if it eats very fast.

When should you see the vet?

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY: if your pet cannot breathe, its gums turn blue or it paws at its mouth in panic, act within seconds and go to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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