First Aid for Dogs Choking on Food

When a dog chokes on food, the owner should first open the dog's mouth and check the shape, size, and damage of the foreign object. If the foreign object is something ordinary like fruit or bread stuck in the throat, the owner can try to remove it with tweezers. However, if the foreign object is a sharp bone or fish bone, the owner needs to handle the situation differently.

Symptoms of a Dog Choking

If the foreign object is stuck in the throat, the dog will show symptoms like severe coughing, drooling, and loss of appetite. If the object is lodged in the trachea, the dog will have symptoms like intense coughing and difficulty breathing. If the object is in the gastrointestinal tract, the dog will vomit, have bloody stools, lose appetite, and have constipation. In any case, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

How to Handle a Dog Choking on Its Throat

After a dog chokes on its throat, the owner should secure the dog or have a few people hold the dog still. Then, open the dog's mouth, pull out the tongue, and use a flashlight to illuminate the throat. Check what the foreign object is and where it is located. Remove the object gently with tweezers to avoid scratching the throat. If the object is difficult to remove or located deep within the throat, take the dog to a veterinarian for professional treatment.

What Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs are omnivores, and there are many things they can eat besides dog food. Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, celery, tomatoes, peanuts, peas, etc. are all edible. Fruits: Blueberries, watermelon, apples, pineapple, coconut, bananas, strawberries, mangoes, etc. can be eaten in moderation. Starchy foods: Rice, bread, corn, sweet potatoes, oats, etc. can be eaten in small amounts when cooked. Meat and poultry: Eggs, chicken, salmon, pork, beef, shrimp, etc. are also edible, but they must be cooked before consumption; they cannot be eaten raw.