Seeing your dog choking on something as unexpected as a ball is a terrifying experience. Due to their round shape and smooth surface, balls can create a tight seal in the airway, making it harder for your dog to breathe. Acting quickly and calmly is essential to help your dog in this life-threatening situation.
Here’s what you need to know, including the external extraction technique, specifically designed for cases like this.
Recognising the Signs of Choking on a Ball
When a dog is choking on a ball, you may notice:
- Gagging or coughing without relief.
- Distress and panic as they paw at their mouth or face.
- Loud wheezing, gasping, or no sound at all if the airway is fully blocked.
- Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the gums, lips, or tongue).
- Unconsciousness in severe cases.
If these signs are present, immediate action is required.
Step-by-Step: How to Respond
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your calmness is crucial to keep the situation under control. Restrain your dog gently but firmly, as choking can make them panic and struggle.
2. Check Their Mouth
Open your dog’s mouth carefully and look for the ball. If you can see it and reach it without pushing it further down, try to remove it. Avoid using excessive force, as this could worsen the situation.
3. Use the External Extraction Technique
When a ball is tightly wedged in the throat and cannot be removed by hand, the external extraction technique can be life-saving. This involves using pressure from the outside of the dog’s throat to push the ball out.
Here’s how:
Have them lie on their side or back. Using both hands, locate the ball by feeling for the lump in their throat. Apply steady pressure with your thumbs or fingers on either side of the ball, pushing gently but firmly in a down and upward motion, pushing forward (towards the dog’s mouth). Think abdominal thrusts but with just your hands.
This motion helps dislodge the ball by creating enough force to move it up and out of the airway. Keep checking the mouth to see if the ball has shifted and can now be removed manually.
4. Perform the Abdominal Thrusts if Necessary
If the external extraction technique doesn’t work, you can try the Heimlich manoeuvre:
- For small dogs: Hold them with their back against your chest and place your hands below their ribcage. Give 3-4 firm upward thrusts.
- For large dogs: Place them on their side or have them stand. Position your hands below the ribcage and push upwards and forwards towards the head.
This technique creates pressure in the chest to help expel the ball. After each attempt, check their mouth for the object.
5. Seek Veterinary Help Immediately
Even if you successfully remove the ball, the obstruction could have caused trauma to your dog’s airway. Always contact your vet for an emergency check-up to ensure there is no internal damage or swelling that could cause complications.
Preventing Choking on Balls
Prevention is always better than cure. To reduce the risk of choking incidents:
- Choose the right size ball: Ensure that any ball your dog plays with is large enough that it cannot fit entirely into their mouth.
- Use dog-safe toys: Avoid using balls not designed for dogs, such as tennis balls that can break down into smaller pieces. Try a ball with a rope attached.
- Supervise playtime: Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re playing with toys, especially ones that could pose a choking hazard.
Final Thoughts
Choking on a ball is a serious emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing how to perform the external extraction technique and the abdominal thrusts could save your dog’s life. Always follow up with a vet after an incident, and take steps to prevent similar risks in the future.
Want to learn more about canine first aid or get advice on safe toys? Contact us today and sign up to a course – we’re here to help you keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy.
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