Choking

Stay calm. Restrain your pet gently. A panicking animal may bite.

Open the mouth and look for the obstruction. If you can see it and reach it safely, try to remove it with your fingers or tweezers.

For small dogs or cats: hold them upside down by the hind legs and give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.

For large dogs: stand behind them, place your fists just below the rib cage, and push upward and forward firmly like a Heimlich maneuver.

Check the mouth again after each attempt. If the object is dislodged, remove it carefully.