--- title: "What to do if your dog or cat is choking" id: "6918" type: "post" slug: "what-to-do-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-choking" published_at: "2026-09-18T05:25:18+00:00" modified_at: "2026-09-18T06:49:52+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-to-do-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-choking/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-to-do-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-choking.md" excerpt: "This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 18 September 2026. Seeing your dog or cat gagging, pawing at..." taxonomy_category: - "Care & training" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Care & training](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/care-and-training/) What to do if your dog or cat is choking Care & training # What to do if your dog or cat is choking Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 18 Sep, 2026 - 8 min read *This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 18 September 2026.* Seeing your dog or cat gagging, pawing at their mouth, or struggling to breathe is frightening. And in a moment like that, it can be hard to know what to do first. The most important thing is to act quickly. If you think your pet is choking, contact your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away, even if you manage to clear whatever’s blocking your pet’s airway yourself. Choking can become life-threatening very quickly, so it’s not something to wait and see about. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what choking can look like, what you can safely do to help your pet in an emergency, and some simple ways to reduce the risk around the home. **Table of contents** - [What does choking look like in dogs and cats?](#what-does-choking-look-like-in-dogs-and-cats) - [Can your pet still breathe?](#can-your-pet-still-breathe) - [What to do if your dog or cat is choking](#what-to-do-if-your-dog-or-cat-is-choking) - [What may cause choking in pets, and how to prevent it](#what-may-cause-choking-in-pets-and-how-to-prevent-it) - [The role pet insurance can play in your pet’s care](#the-role-pet-insurance-can-play-in-your-pets-care) ## What does choking look like in dogs and cats? Choking happens when something blocks your pet’s airway and makes it difficult (or impossible) for them to breathe properly. It can happen surprisingly quickly. A piece of food, a favourite chew, a toy, or something they’ve picked up and swallowed can all become lodged in their throat. Signs that may indicate your pet is choking include: - Pawing frantically at the mouth or face - Gagging, retching, or making choking sounds - Coughing without bringing anything up - Obvious panic or distress - [Blue-tinged lips, gums or tongue](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) - Collapsing Some pets may be more vulnerable than others. Flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs, and Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats naturally have narrower airways, which can put them at increased risk of [choking](https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/) . ## Can your pet still breathe? This is an important distinction. If your pet is still breathing, [keep them as calm as possible and seek veterinary care immediately](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) . If you’re unsure whether they can breathe adequately, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet straight away. If they can’t breathe at all, are straining silently, or their gums or tongue are turning blue, their airway may be completely blocked. This is a critical emergency. Call your vet or nearest emergency clinic immediately and follow their advice while you’re on your way to the clinic. ## What to do if your dog or cat is choking When your pet’s in trouble, every instinct tells you to jump in and help. The safest thing you can do is stay as calm as possible and get veterinary help quickly. If you think your dog or cat is choking: - Check whether they can breathe. Look and listen for breathing, coughing, or other sounds, and watch whether their chest or rib cage is rising and falling. - Call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away. Tell them what’s happening and that you’re on your way. - If you can clearly see the object, and it’s safe to do so, [gently open your pet’s mouth and try to remove it without pushing it further down their throat](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) . - Don’t go searching with your fingers. If you can’t see the object, reaching blindly into your pet’s throat could make things worse, and a frightened animal may bite. - Follow your vet’s instructions. They can advise you on what, if anything, you can do while getting your pet to the clinic. - [Still see the vet even if the object comes out](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) and your pet appears to be breathing normally again. Your pet may seem perfectly fine afterwards, but choking can injure the mouth or throat, so it’s important to have them checked. Remember: [First aid can help in an emergency, but it’s not a substitute for veterinary treatment.](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) ## What may cause choking in pets, and how to prevent it ### Common choking and foreign-body hazards Many everyday items can become choking hazards, including: - Toys or chews that are small enough to be swallowed whole, or that can break into smaller pieces or become lodged in the mouth. - Rope toys that shred easily, allowing loose pieces to be chewed off and swallowed. - Balls that are just the wrong size for your dog’s mouth and throat. - Soft toy stuffing or squeakers, if the toy is torn apart. - Bones (especially cooked, brittle, or small bones), as well as rawhide, and other hard chews, especially if your pet tends to gulp them rather than chew them properly. When choosing a toy, make sure it’s well made, constructed from durable materials, and too large for your pet to swallow whole or fit entirely in their mouth. Keep an eye on [rope toys, stuffing, and squeakers too](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog) , as these can be shredded or chewed off and swallowed. And take care when playing ball with your dog as a ball that’s the wrong size can become lodged in their throat and block their airway. ### Reducing the risk As a pet parent, you can’t prevent every choking emergency, but a few simple precautions can help reduce your pet’s risk: - Choose safe, durable toys and chews that are suitably sized for your pet, and large enough that they can’t be swallowed whole or get stuck in the mouth. - Supervise your dog or cat with chews and rope toys, and replace or dispose of them once they become worn, damaged, or chewed into smaller pieces. - Brachycephalic (also known as flat-faced) dogs and cats can be at increased risk of choking due to their airway structure. Speak with your vet about any additional precautions that may be appropriate for your pet. - Avoid leaving small, hard, or easily swallowed items such as children’s toys, household items, or packaging, within reach of your pets. - Allow your pet to enjoy chews and other enrichment items in a supervised but calm environment and avoid encouraging vigorous play or excitement while they’re chewing. ## The role pet insurance can play in your pet’s care Choking is one of those moments that reminds every pet parent how quickly an ordinary day can turn into an emergency. It can happen even with careful supervision, and when it does, the treatment costs that follow can add real financial pressure on top of an already stressful day. It’s part of a wider pattern too: pets getting into things they shouldn’t. Whether that’s choking on a toy or eating something they shouldn’t, accidental ingestion is [one of the most common reasons pet parents submit insurance claims](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/news/items-pets-are-swallowing/) , with costs for cases involving emergency surgery, overnight hospitalisation, scans, and intensive treatment reaching up to $13,500. [Pet insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-is-pet-insurance/) is designed to help cover a portion of these types of costs. And with [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , you can build the policy that works for you and your pet, with annual cover options up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and a wide range of optional extras. Every policy also contributes to the [RSPCA’s vital work](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance-with-purpose/) across Australia. So, while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also supporting animals in need. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure the cover suits your needs. **References** [1] RSPCA Australia. *What do I need to know about brachycephalic dogs?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/](https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/) [2] American Veterinary Medical Association. *First aid tips for pet owners.* Available from: [https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) [3] Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. *Pet first aid.* Available from: [https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-first-aid](https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-first-aid) [4] Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. *Hidden hazards: a guide to the potential dangers of pet toys.* Available from: [https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pet-toy-dangers/](https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/pet-toy-dangers/) [5] RSPCA Australia. *What are the health and welfare issues associated with exaggerated physical features in cats?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-are-the-health-and-welfare-issues-associated-with-exaggerated-physical-features-in-cats](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-are-the-health-and-welfare-issues-associated-with-exaggerated-physical-features-in-cats) [6] RSPCA Australia. *How can I create low-cost DIY enrichment for my cat or dog?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog) ## FAQs ### Is choking in dogs and cats an emergency? Yes. Choking is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate attention. Even if you manage to clear the blockage yourself, your pet should still be checked by a vet, as choking can cause injury and a blocked airway can become life-threatening quickly. ### What should I do if I can see an object in my pet’s throat? Only remove it if you can clearly see the object and it’s safe to do so. Try to stay calm and keep your pet as calm as possible. [Gently open your pet’s mouth and try to remove it without pushing it further down their throat](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) . Don’t search blindly with your fingers if you can’t see what’s there, as this could make things worse and a frightened animal may bite. Whether you can remove the object or not, contact your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away. ### Should I do anything different for a choking cat versus a choking dog? Not really. The safest approach is the same for both: try to stay calm, check whether they can still breathe, [call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-client-brochures-pet-first-aid-2023.pdf) , and only try to remove a clearly visible object rather than searching blindly. Follow your vet’s instructions on the phone while you’re getting your pet to them. ### Are some cat and dog breeds more prone to choking? Yes. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) pets, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats, have narrower airways and may be [more prone to choking](https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/) while eating compared to pets with a standard snout length. ### Does pet insurance cover emergency treatment for choking? Yes, [pet insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-is-pet-insurance/) may cover emergency veterinary treatment for choking, depending on your policy and the circumstances. In Australia, pet insurance generally helps cover eligible vet costs when a pet becomes ill or injured, but exactly what’s covered varies between insurers and policies. With [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , eligible illnesses and injuries are covered. So, if your dog or cat needs vet treatment related to choking, the associated treatment costs may be covered, provided the claim meets the terms of your policy. To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance [website](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) or click [here](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) for a quick, commitment-free quote. As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [Are vet bills expensive? Understanding the cost of vet care in Australia Sep 2026 - 5 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/are-vet-bills-expensive/) [Understanding vet bills and pet care costs Sep 2026 - 6 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/understanding-vet-bills-and-pet-care-costs/) [The real cost of owning a pet Sep 2026 - 7 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/the-real-cost-of-owning-a-pet/)