Chapter 6: Choking and swallowed foreign objects

Gagging, repeated swallowing, pawing at the mouth and obvious distress are signs of a blocked airway. Check inside the mouth carefully with a torch for an object you can remove without pushing it deeper. For a large dog, use quick abdominal thrusts; for cats and small dogs, hold them briefly with the head lower and tap the back. If the object stays stuck, drive straight to the vet, since tissue damage can begin within minutes.