At Loves Dogs, we know that playtime is one of the most cherished moments between a dog and their owner. Fetching a tennis ball is a favorite pastime for many pups, but did you know that tennis balls can pose a serious choking hazard? If a ball becomes lodged in your dog’s throat, it can block their airway and quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Here’s what you need to do if your dog starts choking on a tennis ball.
Recognizing the Signs of Choking
A dog that is choking on a ball may display the following symptoms:
✅ Panic and distress – They may paw at their mouth or throat.
✅ Gagging or retching – They may try unsuccessfully to cough it up.
✅ Difficulty breathing – They may struggle to inhale or exhale.
✅ Blue gums or tongue – This is a sign of oxygen deprivation.
✅ Collapse or unconsciousness – If the ball fully blocks the airway, they may faint.
If your dog shows any of these signs, act immediately—every second counts!
What to Do if Your Dog is Choking on a Tennis Ball
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your dog will be panicked, and your calm demeanor can help you act quickly. If they are still partially breathing or coughing, encourage them to keep trying to dislodge the ball naturally while preparing to assist.
Step 2: Open Their Mouth and Try to Remove the Ball
- Carefully open your dog’s mouth by grasping their upper jaw with one hand and the lower jaw with the other.
- If you can see the ball, try to remove it using your fingers or a flat tool, like a spoon handle.
- If the ball is too deep or slippery, do not push it further down, as this could block the airway completely.
Step 3: Perform the Dog Heimlich Maneuver
If you cannot manually remove the ball, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs to force it out. The technique varies based on your dog’s size:
👉 For Small Dogs:
- Hold your dog with their back against your chest.
- Make a fist and place it just below their ribcage.
- Apply quick, upward thrusts (like a soft but firm squeeze).
- Check their mouth after a few thrusts to see if the ball has dislodged.
👉 For Large Dogs (Standing Position):
- Stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist and place it below their ribcage.
- Perform quick, upward abdominal thrusts using a sharp inward and upward motion (similar to the human Heimlich maneuver).
- Repeat until the ball is expelled.
👉 For Large Dogs (If They’ve Collapsed):
- Lay your dog on their side.
- Place one hand on their back and the other on their abdomen, just below the ribcage.
- Push inward and upward in a fast, forceful motion.
- Check their mouth and remove the ball if it has loosened.
Step 4: Perform CPR if Necessary
If your dog becomes unconscious and stops breathing, immediate CPR may be needed.
- Lay them on their right side.
- Check for a heartbeat.
- If none is detected, start chest compressions:
- For large dogs, push down about one-third of their chest depth.
- For small dogs, use two fingers and press gently.
- Perform 30 compressions, followed by two rescue breaths (close their mouth and breathe into their nose).
- Continue until you get them to an emergency vet.
Step 5: Seek Veterinary Help Immediately
Even if you successfully remove the ball, take your dog to the vet for a full check-up. Choking incidents can cause throat injuries or swelling, which could lead to further complications.
Preventing Choking Hazards in the Future
✔ Choose the Right-Sized Ball: A ball should be larger than your dog’s throat to prevent accidental swallowing.
✔ Use Safer Alternatives: Consider solid rubber balls designed for dogs instead of traditional tennis balls, which can compress and lodge in their throat.
✔ Supervise Playtime: Never leave your dog unattended while playing with balls or other small toys.
✔ Train Drop Commands: Teach your dog a reliable “drop it” command to prevent them from clamping down on the ball in distress.
Final Thoughts
At Loves Dogs, we are committed to keeping dogs safe, happy, and healthy. Being prepared for emergencies, like choking, can save your dog’s life. Share this information with other dog owners—you never know when it could help prevent a tragedy.
🐕 Opt To Adopt! If you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend into your home, consider adopting from a rescue. Every dog deserves a second chance!
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