Warning signs
- Intense, repeated coughing that does not stop
- Bringing paws to the mouth or muzzle
- Inability to bark or make normal sounds
- Lips or gums turning blue
- Visible panic and sudden agitation
What to do immediately
- 1Stay calm â panic makes the situation worse
- 2If the cough is strong, let the dog cough: it may expel the object on its own
- 3Look inside the mouth carefully if the dog is still
- 4If the object is visible and reachable, remove it carefully
- 5Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately if it cannot breathe
What NOT to do
- Do not blindly stick fingers into the throat
- Do not give water during the episode
- Do not shake the dog
- Do not wait if lips or gums turn blue
Call the vet immediately if
- Inability to breathe or absent breathing
- Blue lips or gums
- Object visible but not safely reachable
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
