<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0iVPVv_0uUbLHxw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0iVPVv_0uUbLHxw00" width="606" height="728" ></figure>If “curiosity killed the cat,” it definitely defines the dog. Dogs are curious, constantly sticking their noses where they do not belong, and while exploring, they tend to put everything they find in their mouths, which can lead to choking.The most common signs that a dog is choking are:1. pawing at their mouth2. drooling excessively3. coughing, gagging, or wheezing4. having blue gums5. difficulty breathing6. loss of consciousnessHopefully you will realize your dog is choking before he loses consciousness and can help remove the obstruction.When you figure out what is happening, if possible, you should get someone else involved to help. Then you restrain the dog but be careful not to compress the chest. Use your hands to carefully force open the mouth; carefully because the dog is frightened and there is a chance you could be bittenHopefully you can see the obstruction. You can try to remove it with your fingers or can get a pair of tweezers.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3AzzCj_0uUbLHxw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3AzzCj_0uUbLHxw00" width="1241" height="1143" ><figcaption>Sticks are one of the most common causes of choking in dogs. To avoid your dog choking on sticks, provide him with alternative toys and keep sticks out of his reach.</figcaption></figure>If you successfully remove the obstruction, at least your dog can breathe but you still need to get him to a veterinarian to make sure you got everything out and no damage was done. If you were unsuccessful in getting the obstruction out, or weren’t even able to see it, you need to call an emergency clinic and maybe they can talk you through getting the obstruction out.Don’t waste time trying to get it out yourself if you aren’t sure about what you’re doing; time is of the essence.Choking incidents are unfortunate but sometimes can be prevented. The most common item to cause choking in dogs are sticks. Dogs love them but they are very dangerous to your pet. They not only can cause choking, but can splinter and get caught in your dog’s mouth or throat and your dog may need surgery to remove it.Other culprits are tennis balls. Dogs have strong jaws, can easily shred a ball and easily swallow the pieces that can cause choking or blockage of an airway or intestinal obstruction. Neither of which is cheap to treat.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2hiRp7_0uUbLHxw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hiRp7_0uUbLHxw00" width="1615" height="1324" ><figcaption>Don’t let a favorite toy become a trip to the doggy ER. Frequent inspections of favorite toys can help avoid problems.</figcaption></figure>Let’s face it, all pet owners know that bones are dangerous, but dogs love them, too. They pose a choking hazard, can splinter, and puncture the stomach or intestines (which can result in a very painful death if not treated immediately), and cause a severe bowel obstruction.Long story short, it’s not worth it. Find your dog a safer snack.Dogs today seem to have more toys than kids. Some of these toys can pose a serious choking hazard to a dog. It’s maybe because of small parts, or just a toy that has been played with a lot and is falling apart. It is important that when purchasing toys, you buy toys that are geared toward the size of your dog and, if possible, go for the ones that are certified.Dog snacks like rawhide have also caused a few dog owners problems. Keep an eye on your dog if you want to give him these treats; get rid of it if it when your pet has eaten down to a small piece that could cause a choking hazard.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Ybwfq_0uUbLHxw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Ybwfq_0uUbLHxw00" width="971" height="779" ><figcaption>Some snacks, like the granola covered rawhide stick Peanut is enjoying, can be a choking risk. Monitoring your pet when they are eating treats like this can prevent problems.</figcaption></figure>There are a few steps you can take to prevent your dog from choking. The best way is to keep an eye on him and make sure he’s not chewing on anything he shouldn’t be.Teach him the command, “leave it.” If he gets hold of something that could pose a threat, this command will come in handy when you try to get the object from him.</div></body>

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If “curiosity killed the cat,” it definitely defines the dog. Dogs are curious, constantly sticking their noses where they do not belong, and while exploring, they tend to put everything they find in their mouths, which can lead to choking. The most common signs that a dog is...