Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs - Page 1

Some websites are saying not to pick up large dogs, others show it being done.

Since this site is primarily responded to by large dog owners, which method have you used, or consider safer & why it is it safer? Safer for yourself or the dog?

TWC, I think for large dogs, I would try the method given here, under pressing on the underside of the jaw: https://firstaidforpets.net/how-to-help-a-choking-dog/

This would be after opening the dog's mouth to see what sort of obstruction it was choking on. This method won't work very well for a bone or stick! I do have a very long pair of tweezers I could use for that!

Also, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - the most common thing for a dog to choke on is a ball NEVER let your dog play with a ball that is small enough to block the throat (tennis balls are the number one offender) The balls I give my dogs are the ChuckIt balls that have holes on them. To make them even safer, I loop a cord through the holes, so I have something to grab hold of if the dog should swallow the ball. (It also helps give me more oomph when throwing the ball, and lets me play tug with the dog once she's retrieved it!)

One thing for sure: if your dog is truly choking (airway blocked) going to the vet is not an option. Your dog will be dead by the time you get there! So, familiarize yourself with these methods!  

I brought the subject up simply make more content/conversation for the boards. None of us ever knows in life when choke could occur.


Sun, very good point about ball size. Excellent point about tying a looped cord through a ball.

Very true! Most of us will hopefully never have to deal with it. But when it does happen, seconds count, and reading/studying something like this can save your dog's life.

Good topic!

If the dog is still conscious and panicking due to not being able to breathe, it's going to be difficult to pick him or her up without him or her wiggling free or out of position, and potentially falling and hurting him/herself or the person (s) attempting to render aid. Even if the dog knows a command for carry or lift. Ditto even if a wheelbarrow-type move for just this purpose has been taught.

If the dog is huge, like Russian Bear Dog, etc., there is no way I would be able to lift, hold, and work on the dog due to weight and bulk. However, might be able to leverage back part of the dog up and use a sturdy chair to hold with someone counterbalancing the chair or holding the back end of the dog elevated on bed, couch, passenger car seat or tailgate, etc. and holding dog in position. A blanket or large towel would probably make this a lot easier.

Some dogs will try to hide, just like some people leave the dinner table and go into the bathroom when choking.


FWIW, Kong balls have air holes.


Some humane organizations offer dog first aid and dog CPR classes.