Choking hazards for dogs: common risky items, safer chews and what to do in an emergency

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and many will chew or swallow almost anything. Most of the time this is harmless, but some everyday items can get stuck in a dog's throat, or swallowed and cause a blockage in the gut. Knowing the common risks makes it much easier to prevent an emergency.

Items that commonly cause choking or blockages

Balls that are too small

A ball that fits fully into your dog's mouth can slip to the back of the throat, especially during an excited catch. Choose a ball clearly too large to swallow for your dog's size, and replace balls that are split or worn.

Sticks

Sticks can splinter and get stuck in the mouth or throat, and dogs can be badly injured when running onto a stick they are carrying or catching. Play fetch with a toy instead.

Bones

Cooked bones can splinter into sharp pieces, and bones of any kind can get stuck in the throat or gut, or break teeth. Don't give your dog cooked bones, and keep leftover bones, such as from a roast or a takeaway, out of reach. If you are thinking about raw bones, talk to your vet first.

Corn on the cob

Dogs often swallow pieces of corn cob whole. The cob doesn't break down, and it is a well-known cause of gut blockages. Keep cobs away from your dog, including in the kitchen bin and at barbecues.

Toys that break up

Squeakers, stuffing, eyes, small parts and chunks of chewed plastic can all be swallowed. Children's toys are a particular risk, as they are not made for dogs. Check your dog's toys often and throw them away once they start to break up.

Other common culprits

• Fruit stones, such as peach and plum stones.
• Stones and pebbles.
• Socks, underwear, tights and hair ties.
• Food packaging, foil and kebab skewers from the bin.
• Rawhide chews and pig trotters, which can break into pieces that are hard to digest or get stuck.

Choosing safer toys and chews

• Size matters. Pick toys and chews too large for your dog to swallow or fit into the back of its mouth. If you have more than one dog, size toys for the largest.
• Choose toys made for dogs. Look for sturdy toys designed for chewing, and avoid ones with small parts that could come loose.
• Supervise chewing. Stay with your dog when it has a new toy or chew, and take it away once it gets small enough to swallow.
• Use food puzzles. Puzzle feeders and stuffable rubber toys give dogs a safe way to chew and forage.
• Keep risky items out of reach. Use a bin with a secure lid, pick up children's toys and socks, and clear up after meals and barbecues.

If your dog has health problems or you are unsure which chews are suitable, ask your vet.

Teach "swap" instead of chasing

Chasing a dog that has picked something up can turn it into a game, and some dogs will swallow the item quickly to keep it. Pulling on the lead or prising the mouth open can make things worse.

Instead, teach your dog to swap. Offer a tasty treat or a favourite toy, and when your dog drops the item, praise and reward it, then pick the item up calmly. Practise with safe toys at home so your dog learns that letting go always pays. This reward-based approach also helps on walks.

Signs of choking: an emergency

Contact a vet straight away if your dog:

• is struggling to breathe, or breathing noisily
• is pawing at its mouth or face
• is gagging, retching or coughing repeatedly
• is drooling a lot or can't swallow
• has pale, grey or blue gums or tongue
• is very distressed, or collapses

Phone the vet as you set off so they can prepare and advise you. A choking dog may panic and bite, even if it is normally gentle, so take care. It is worth asking your vet in advance about pet first aid, or taking a pet first aid course.

Signs your dog may have swallowed something

Some items get past the throat and cause a blockage later. Contact your vet straight away if you saw your dog swallow something it shouldn't have, even if it seems fine, or if it shows signs such as:

• vomiting, or trying to vomit without bringing anything up
• not wanting to eat
• tummy pain, a hunched posture or restlessness
• straining to poo, or not pooing
• tiredness or seeming unwell

Don't try to make your dog sick unless a vet tells you to.