6 items that could choke your dog: Stay safe

Dogs explore the world through their mouths, often mouthing, carrying, and chewing to investigate their environment. This curiosity is especially true for retrieving breeds like the flat coated retriever, who frequently carry toys or balls. However, this behaviour can sometimes put them at risk, particularly from choking hazards.

Even well-trained dogs can accidentally ingest or choke on objects that seem harmless. Owners must remain vigilant by combining good training to discourage picking up random items and supervising play to prevent accidents.

1. Small toys and balls

Toys that are suitable for one dog size might be dangerous for another. Balls or toys that fit past your dog's front teeth pose a choking risk, especially if they can be chewed into smaller pieces. For dogs playing with smaller friends, toys must be appropriately sized to prevent choking or swallowing.

2. Children’s toys

Children’s toys are not designed for dogs and often have small parts that can detach easily. Buttons, eyes, or pieces can be swallowed or inhaled, causing choking. Keep such toys out of reach and provide your dog with specialised, durable toys suitable for their size.

3. Bones

While dogs love bones, only offer ones specifically made for dogs, whether raw or prepared but never cooked bones. Cooked bones, such as chicken bones, splinter easily and can lodge in the throat or cause internal injuries. Always supervise your dog with bones to prevent choking risks.

4. Hard treats and chews

Rawhide, dental chews, chicken feet, jerky, or pigs’ trotters can be tasty and beneficial but aren’t suitable for every dog. Dogs with sensitive or weak teeth might injure themselves, and aggressive chewing can break treats into dangerous small pieces that could obstruct the airway.

5. Sticks and twigs

Sticks may be tempting for dogs, but they pose a high danger. They can splinter or break into sharp fragments that may choke your dog or cause mouth and throat injuries. It is safer to provide approved chew toys rather than allowing sticks outdoors.

6. Certain types of prepared foods

Healthy foods like apple or carrot can be excellent snacks if prepared correctly. Carrots should be cut into small squares rather than slices to avoid obstructing the windpipe. Other foods like cooked spaghetti also risk choking if swallowed in long strands without chewing.

How to prevent choking incidents with your dog

1. Supervise all play and meal times: Always watch your dog when eating treats, chewing chews, or playing with toys to intervene early if there's an issue.
2. Choose appropriate toy sizes: Match toys to your dog’s mouth size, especially in multi-dog households with varying breeds and sizes.
3. Remove hazards: Keep children's toys, small objects like rubber bands, buttons, and household items out of your dog's reach.
4. Train your dog: Teach commands such as "leave it" or "drop it" to prevent ingestion of dangerous items.
5. Provide safe chew alternatives: Use vet-recommended chews, and avoid giving cooked bones or hard human treats.

Being aware of potential choking hazards and taking proactive steps can safeguard your dog's health and wellbeing. Responsible pet ownership means preparing a safe environment and educating yourself about common risks to prevent emergencies.