Guest FireHorse Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 (edited) I had just fed them both and was puttering in the kitchen peeling potatoes for us when Luke started making this weird gaspy noise. I stuck my head around the corner to see what was gong on and he was absolutely bug-eyed (you could see the whites all the way around his eyes) and pawing at his face, with his mouth wide open. I could see the end of a pig tail stuck clear in the back of his throat, but couldn't grab it. I still don't know whether the noise was choking or gagging, but it sure wasn't breathing! I didn't even think, just reacted. I got behind him, grabbed his elbows and hoisted his front end up and put his front paws on the dining room table, then Heimliched him. It took four or five thrusts, then the pig tail popped out (and slid all the way across the table and bounced off the window curtain, then slid down behind the radiator-the comic relief portion of the event, I guess), Luke took a couple of deep whooping breaths, then growled at me because he doesn't like to be hugged, and I was still hugging him. Jeez. *catches breath* My heart is still pounding! He's fine. Me? I'm sure my blood pressure will come back down sometime this week. I helped him down off the table and he went back to his dinner, sans pig tail. He wasn't very happy that I wouldn't give it back, but I substituted it for a nice-easy-to-swallow blob of ground salmon. Moral of the story: Keep an eye on your dogs when they're eating. I don't want to know what would have happened if I'd been three rooms away on the computer, with Luke gated into the dining room. And KNOW CPR.! eta: Dear Universe, I'm all done with the drama now, thanks! Can I please have a couple boring days now in exchange? Edited March 11, 2008 by FireHorse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mom2Gr8dawgs Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 How frightening! Thank goodness you saw what was happening and were able to help Luke! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ola Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Oh my, how scary!!! So glad that you kept a cool head and knew what to do. Thank you for the reminder too, I'm always around when the dogs are eating, but I've started doing other stuff and just checking on them. I'll be sure to be more present from now on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Good job mom!! Adult beverage time I think. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Great Job Mom!!! I am so sorry that happened, it must have been so scary. But you jumped right in there and saved him! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfish Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 (edited) I've had to do it once for Renie, who bolts her food. It's a good idea to know how, that's for sure! Glad he's OK! Edited March 11, 2008 by silverfish Quote The plural of anecdote is not dataBrambleberry Greyhounds My Etsy Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hannahmom Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I'm glad to hear he's OK Way to go Mom !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rschultz Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 did your house smell like pig ears since it slid behind the radiator? It must have given off a good smell..lol... all kidding aside, your an angel to him. Quote Lexie is gone but not forgotten.💜 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tiz3 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Well done you! What quick thinking, and no hysteria. I've had to do the Heimlich on a person and rescue breathing for a desert tortoise that was found on the bottom of a spa. I have to admit that I did a little panicing before the training I've had kicked in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 omg, how scary! thank goodness you were right there! and the nerve of him growling at you Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Talk about scary...I have CPR trainning but I have to admit, I don't think I would know how to perform it on one of my dogs. Something to think about seriously. He may have growled at you, but I bet he was proud of you. He just didn't tell you that Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FireHorse Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 did your house smell like pig ears since it slid behind the radiator? It must have given off a good smell..lol... all kidding aside, your an angel to him. No; fortunately it slid down near the end. I poked it all the way down with a long chopstick, then fished it out from underneath with tongs. Then I did the same thing with a soapy dishcloth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferS Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Does anyone have a link to a picture of how to give a dog the heimlich? I know it is different for big dogs than small dogs. I think it is important information. You're a hero! Quote Forever in my heart: my girl Raspberry & my boys Quiet Man, Murphy, Ducky, Wylie & Theo www.greyhoundadventures.org & www.greyhoundamberalert.org & www.duckypaws.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FireHorse Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Does anyone have a link to a picture of how to give a dog the heimlich? I know it is different for big dogs than small dogs. I think it is important information. You're a hero! It's pretty much like people-stand behind them, put your fists just under their breastbone and thrust. I think me propping him up on the edge of the table was just me. Here's directions (but no illustration-sorry) on how to do it. (linky.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmilyAnne Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Oh my goodness! I am so glad everything turned out ok! You were quick on your toes and didnt waste any time, good job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 OMG...what a horrible scare. So glad all is well. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferS Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Does anyone have a link to a picture of how to give a dog the heimlich? I know it is different for big dogs than small dogs. I think it is important information. You're a hero! It's pretty much like people-stand behind them, put your fists just under their breastbone and thrust. I think me propping him up on the edge of the table was just me. Here's directions (but no illustration-sorry) on how to do it. (linky.) Thanks for the link. I thought I remembered reading somewhere to actually lift the dog's hind legs to thrust behind the ribcage? Whatever you did worked though, so I'm sure there's many ways. Quote Forever in my heart: my girl Raspberry & my boys Quiet Man, Murphy, Ducky, Wylie & Theo www.greyhoundadventures.org & www.greyhoundamberalert.org & www.duckypaws.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rycezmom Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Two different sets of instructions. Both are in my kitchen. http://www.theanimalspirit.com/dogcpr.pdf http://www.bogartsdaddy.com/bouvier/Health...h_maneuvers.htm Quote The more I see of man, the more I like dogs. ~Mme. de Staël Missing my Bridge Angels Ryce, Bo, Jim, Miss Millie, Miss Rose, Gustopher P Jones (Pimpmaster G), Miss Isabella and Miss Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vinnie Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Wow, very scary! So glad you were able to get the tail to pop out. I keep having the same mantra play over and over in my head that another greyt owner told me - if something gets stuck, your whole hand will fit down his/her throat so you can pull it out and/or dislodge the blockage. I don't know how true that is , but I like your way better. CPR is important for both your skinkids and your furkids. Great job! Hope he makes up for the growling later and gives you a thank you kiss instead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FireHorse Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Wow, very scary! So glad you were able to get the tail to pop out. I keep having the same mantra play over and over in my head that another greyt owner told me - if something gets stuck, your whole hand will fit down his/her throat so you can pull it out and/or dislodge the blockage. I don't know how true that is , but I like your way better. CPR is important for both your skinkids and your furkids. Great job! Hope he makes up for the growling later and gives you a thank you kiss instead Our old country vet used to say that too, and that you could stop a biter by grabbing the base of the tongue and holding on. It wasn't something *I* ever wanted to try, but he saw enough barn dogs that I suspect he had the experience to know what he was talking about. I'd be afraid to push it down-what if it went the wrong way and got stuck in the lungs? That's an even bigger problem than choking, and not one you can fix at home. I've been CPR/first aid certified since I was 12 (Girl Scouts, military service, daycare center, licensure requirements) but this is the first time I've ever had to use any of that in a crisis. I was fairly calm when I was doing it, but my hands shook for about 45 minutes after! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I had to do a Heimlich on Rob Roy. I did it with him standing. After about the fourth thrust, a piece of kibble shot out. Very scarey. Since that time, I never, ever, leave them with food. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missilesmom Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Wow, you did better than me when this happened to my guy. I stood in total fear trembling for what seemed to be an eternity while Missile choked on a normal size doggie biscuit. That was within a week after we got him. He wasn't used to biscuits it seems and he tried to scarf it down without chewing. It got lodged in his throat and he wound up with a scratched esolphagus. I printed the instructions with the picture and feel a little more adequate and armed now. Thanks for your story and for being such a model. Quote BABY, HE WAS BORN TO RUN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Merrygohounds Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Way to go !!! KNowing me I would have stuck my arm down his throat and grabbed it. I wouldnt have thought of that. GOOD JOB ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 how scary! good work Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kimberllee Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 How very scary. So glad he's okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.