Dog Has Something Stuck in Their Throat: 2025 Vet-Backed Guide  🐶🩺

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is an Esophageal Obstruction?

This is when a foreign object lodges in your dog’s throat or esophagus, blocking food, water, or even air. Partial or complete blockages can be life-threatening and deserve immediate attention.

👀 Signs Your Dog Might Have Something Stuck

• Repeated swallowing, gagging, retching, or coughing
• Excessive drooling (often foamy) or drooling with blood
• Pawing at mouth or neck, neck-straining posture
• Inability or reluctance to eat/drink, regurgitation, or vomiting
• Lethargy, restlessness, labored breathing, possibly pale or bluish gums

🔍 Diagnosis by Your Veterinarian

Your vet may perform:

• Physical exam and palpation of the throat/neck
• X-rays, possibly with contrast dye for better imaging
• Endoscopy via camera for visualization and immediate removal
• CT scans in complex cases or suspected injury to adjacent structures
• Bloodwork to assess general health and prepare for anesthesia

🛠️ Treatment Options

• Endoscopic removal: less invasive; often first choice
• Surgery: for objects too embedded or sharp, or if the esophagus is perforated
• Supportive care: IV fluids, pain meds, antibiotics, anti‑inflammatories

⚠️ Why Speed Matters

Lingering blockages cause pressure necrosis, esophagitis, strictures, perforation, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, and death. Quick action saves lives.

💸 Estimated Costs

Removal via endoscopy or surgery can cost between approximately. $500–$6,000 USD, depending on complexity.

🛡️ How to Prevent This from Happening

• Pick toys/treats appropriate to your dog’s size & chewing style
• Supervise heavy chewers during meal times
• Teach “leave it” to deter hazardous object ingestion
• Dog-proof your home—keep small items and hazards out of reach
• Regular vet checkups to catch underlying issues like strictures

📞 Immediate First Aid at Home

If your dog is choking:

• Stabilize gently to prevent biting
• Open mouth and visually inspect—only remove if you can clearly see and safely grasp the object
• Perform a canine Heimlich (abdomen thrusts or back blows) if breathing is blocked
• Seek emergency veterinary care immediately—don’t delay

🏠 Aftercare & Monitoring

• Hospital stay for monitoring—IV, pain meds, antibiotics as needed
• Soft diet until the throat heals, usually several days to weeks
• Watch for signs of complications—stricture, regurgitation, respiratory issues
• Follow-up imaging if indicated

📈 Prognosis

When treated early, the prognosis is excellent. Delays could lead to serious complications and reduced survival rates.

📝 Final Thoughts

If your dog seems to struggle swallowing, drools excessively, gags repeatedly, or shows sudden changes in appetite or behavior, treat it as an emergency. Immediate veterinary care, prompt removal of the object, and proper aftercare are key. For quick access to support, connect via the Ask A Vet app 🐾📱.