🐾 Vet Emergency Guide 2025: Choking in Dogs & the XXT Technique – Life-Saving Help for Unconscious Pets 🚑

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🚨 Why Choking Is a Silent Threat for Dogs

Choking—or complete airway obstruction—is often underestimated as a pet emergency. While rare, it can be fatal in seconds to minutes. Dogs are especially prone to choking on toys, balls, rawhide chews, or food. Active breeds and working dogs are at particularly high risk due to their drive and reward-focused behavior.

Unlike humans, dogs can’t point to their throats or signal distress clearly. Choking may present as:

• 😮 Gagging or retching without bringing anything up
• 😵 Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
• 😤 Difficulty breathing or complete silence

❌ Dangers of Traditional Techniques

Pet owners often resort to well-meaning but risky techniques:

• 👋 Finger sweeps can push objects deeper and result in bites or even finger amputation
• 🦷 Forceps or tools may cause trauma or be ineffective
• 🏋️ Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) may injure the diaphragm or organs

While these interventions are sometimes necessary, a safer, more controlled approach now exists—the eXternal eXtraction Technique™ (XXT™).

🛡️ What Is the XXT™ Technique?

The eXternal eXtraction Technique™ (XXT™) is an emergency intervention specifically designed to help unconscious dogs with airway obstruction. It focuses on using external manipulation to dislodge the obstructing object—without internal probing or risky force.

This method was developed for safety, effectiveness, and practicality in high-stress scenarios. It is particularly useful for trained handlers, emergency responders, and experienced pet owners.

💡 When to Use XXT™

Use the XXT™ technique when:

• 🐶 The dog is unconscious
• 💨 The dog has no airflow and is not breathing
• ❌ You suspect an object is obstructing the airway

It is not recommended for cats at this time, due to anatomical differences and lack of clinical testing in felines.

🔧 XXT™ Step-by-Step Procedure

Note: Only attempt this on unconscious dogs. Conscious dogs may resist or bite unintentionally.

1. 🔍 Assess the dog’s position – Lay the dog flat on their side.
2. 🧠 Stabilize the head – Keep the spine, neck, and nose in a straight line (“In-Line Position”).
3. 🤲 Locate the object externally – Gently feel the underside of the jaw and upper throat area.
4. 👉 Use both hands – Position fingers and thumbs externally on either side of the throat.
5. 💪 Apply firm, even pressure – Push inward and upward to shift the lodged item toward the mouth.
6. 👅 Check the mouth – Look for the object protruding and remove it using pliers or forceps if safe.

🖐️ PullGrip Alternative – For Low Thumb Strength

If thumb strength is limited, the PullGrip method can be used:

• 🐕 Position the dog in an In-Line Position
• ✊ Use fingers to grip the jaw and manipulate pressure externally to shift the object

This version should only be used when the dog’s posture allows for airway alignment and stability.

🧠 Why This Works

Unlike abdominal thrusts or invasive attempts, XXT™ uses controlled external pressure to compress and mobilize the object toward the mouth without forcing it further down. It prioritizes:

• ✅ Airway integrity
• ✅ Pet and human safety
• ✅ Efficiency in the field or home

🎾 Common Choking Hazards in Dogs

Prevent choking by avoiding toys or food that match your dog’s throat width. High-risk items include:

• 🎾 Tennis balls or rubber balls too small for the breed
• 🦴 Hard rawhide or bones
• 🍖 Cooked meat with embedded bones
• 🧸 Chewed or cracked Kongs, squeaky toys

Tip: Ensure all toys are larger than your dog’s mouth and monitor play sessions. Check toys regularly for wear and damage.

👨‍⚕️ What If XXT™ Doesn’t Work?

If the object remains lodged and the dog is unresponsive:

• 🫁 Begin rescue breathing (if you are trained)
• 📞 Seek emergency veterinary care immediately
• 🛠️ A trained vet may perform a surgical cricothyrotomy or advanced airway procedure

🧰 Be Prepared – Emergency Kits for Dog Owners

Every pet household should keep a basic canine first aid kit, including:

• 🧤 Gloves
• 🔦 Flashlight
• 🗜️ Blunt-tip forceps or hemostats
• 🆘 Emergency vet contact info

🩺 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

The XXT™ technique is a valuable addition to any dog owner's emergency toolkit. While it’s not a substitute for veterinary care, it may be the difference between life and death in an airway crisis.

Understanding how to use XXT™ correctly could save your dog’s life—or the life of a canine in your care. Share this knowledge with pet sitters, trainers, and dog lovers. 🐾

📲 Always Ready: Ask A Vet for Emergency Advice

Not sure what to do in a pet emergency? Download the Ask A Vet app today for 24/7 live access to licensed vets like Dr Duncan Houston. Get answers on airway first aid, emergency breathing, and more—before it’s too late. 🚑🐶