AOL: Veterinary Nurse Reveals #1 Mistake to Avoid If You Suspect Your Dog Is Choking Veterinary Nurse Reveals #1 Mistake to Avoid If You Suspect Your Dog Is Choking I tend to be a naturally anxious person, but I didn’t realize just how much my worries could escalate until I got a dog of my own. Suddenly, I found myself researching every pet product before making ... Teddy's Ruff Riders hosted a pet CPR and first aid class in Des Moines, teaching owners how to respond to choking and breathing emergencies.

Understanding the Context

Choking is when food or another object gets stuck in your airway. Call emergency services and do first aid for anyone who’s choking and can’t cough or speak. Give first aid as quickly as possible if you or someone else is choking. To prepare yourself for these situations, learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR in a certified first-aid training course.

Key Insights

Choking, also known as foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), is a phenomenon that occurs when breathing is impeded by a blockage inside of the respiratory tract. An obstruction that prevents oxygen from entering the lungs results in oxygen deprivation. Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. Choking can cause a simple coughing fit, but complete blockage of the airway may lead to death.