Choking and Other Emergencies
Recognising choking, wounds, and other common emergencies.
Recognising Choking
Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or airway, blocking or partially blocking breathing. It is most common in dogs who gulp food, chew on sticks, or play with small toys.
Signs of Choking
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Gagging, retching, or coughing forcefully
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing — laboured, noisy, or absent
- Blue gums or tongue
- Panic, distress, or collapse
What to Do
If your pet is coughing forcefully, let them try to dislodge the object themselves — a strong cough is often the most effective way to clear a partial obstruction.
If your pet cannot breathe at all, open the mouth and look — if you can see the object and can safely grasp it, carefully remove it. Do not reach blindly into the throat, as you may push the object deeper or be bitten.
Get to your vet immediately. If you cannot dislodge a visible object, do not delay — drive to the nearest vet while keeping your pet as calm as possible.
Wounds and Bleeding
Pets can sustain wounds from dog fights, cat bites, sharp objects, or accidents. Here is what to know:
Minor Wounds (Small Cuts, Scrapes, Abrasions)
- Gently clean with clean water or saline
- Do not apply human antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide, Dettol, Betadine) without vet guidance — some are toxic if licked
- Prevent your pet from licking the wound (use a cone if needed)
- Monitor for signs of infection (swelling, redness, discharge, warmth)
- See your vet if the wound does not improve within a day
Serious Wounds — Go to Your Vet
- Deep cuts, puncture wounds, or wounds with visible tissue
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- Wounds from animal bites (these always need vet attention due to infection risk — bite wounds are often much deeper than they appear)
- Any wound near the eyes, ears, chest, or abdomen
For significant bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and get to the vet. Do not remove the cloth if it soaks through — add another layer on top.
Cat bite wounds are deceptive — the puncture hole on the surface may look small, but cat teeth create deep, narrow wounds that seal over quickly, trapping bacteria inside. Abscesses are very common with cat bites. If your cat comes home with any bite wound (or you suspect one), see your vet for antibiotics. Do not wait for an abscess to develop.
Choking Response Quiz
Your dog is coughing forcefully and pawing at their mouth after grabbing a stick. They are still making sounds and breathing, though with difficulty. What is the best first step?