Our fur babies bring so much joy into our lives. Their enthusiastic play and boundless affection fill our hearts with love and our homes with laughter. Yet, in the blink of an eye, a joyful playtime can turn into a life-threatening situation. Most dogs tend to bite, swing, and throw their toys around.
Some nibble at them until the stuffing comes out, while others bite them for a long time. However, it is possible that our pets would swallow the toys, even the big ones, resulting in choking. Anything smaller than their windpipe could be inhaled and ingested.
A heart-stopping incident occurred when a 5-year-old German Shepherd named Clyde was rushed to the vet because of a choking emergency. His owners rushed him to Travelers Rest Animal Hospital after he choked on a rubber toy while playing. Dr. Margaret Hunt immediately tended to Clyde and acted quickly.
She laid the German Shepherd on his back and straddled on top of him. With one gentle yet quick maneuver on his throat, the ball swooped right out. The team rejoiced, and even Clyde got up and walked away, happy to be out of danger.
Dr. Hunt used the XXT or External Extraction Technique, almost similar to the Heimlich Maneuver, but much safer and more effective for choking dogs. According to the Veterinary Information Network, the XXT is the best intervention for complete or fatal airway obstruction caused by a ball or similar hazard, especially if the patient is unconscious.
To perform the XXT, place the dog on his back against the floor and straddle the dog. Adjust yourself based on the dog’s size and ensure you are not sitting on or pushing any of its body parts. Position the head so that the airway is parallel to the floor.
Next, find and identify the trachea, the obstruction’s location, and the mandible and make an open diamond shape with your hands. Your thumbs should be at both sides of the trachea below the object, and the rest of your fingers should grip the mandible or the V shape of the jawbone. You may grab the dog’s lips or cheek to protect your fingers from biting.
Push the object down and out with a J-stroke until it comes out. For unconscious dogs, try to touch or tap to ensure that the dog is unconscious before you do two rescue breaths. If the dog remains unconscious, perform CPR. Doing the XXT may sound easy, but if you’re not sure you can, it’s best to rush your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic.
Choking emergencies are terrifying and can happen at any time. Being prepared and knowing what to do in such a situation can save your beloved pet’s life. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the XXT technique and always monitor your pets while they are playing with their toys. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Share this information with fellow dog owners and help raise awareness about this life-saving technique.