Airway Obstruction - Heimlich Maneuver

If the airways are obstructed by a foreign body, the regular gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the lungs can no longer occur or is severely restricted. The oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs is limited, and within a few minutes, death by suffocation can occur (➞ Choking).

One measure to clear the airways is the Heimlich maneuver.

If your pet is able to cough vigorously, applying the Heimlich maneuver is usually not necessary. In cases where your pet’s cough is atypical, quiet, or gurgling, the oral mucous membranes turn bluish, and the suspected foreign body cannot be seen or removed from the oral cavity, begin the Heimlich maneuver.

The pressure in the abdominal cavity is temporarily increased by the following measures:

• Grasp your pet from behind/above, immediately below the ribs, and clasp your hands together over your pet’s abdomen.
• Apply a short, quick pressure to your pet’s abdomen, directed towards the chest. This exerts pressure on the diaphragm, leading to an exhalation thrust in the lungs. The airflow thus generated can expel the foreign body.
• This maneuver is repeated in quick succession.
• Small dogs and cats can be held firmly. The animal’s face should be directed downwards, with the head hanging lower than the chest.
• Repeated, measured tapping on the back can lead to the loosening and expulsion of the foreign body.
• It is sometimes recommended to apply brief pressure with the arm to the upper abdominal region synchronously with tapping on the back. However, there is a risk that stomach contents may be pushed upwards and enter the trachea.
• If your pet becomes unconscious, begin resuscitation.