Choking pup? Ideas/thoughts welcome

[Vinni]

Hi All,

I guess sometime I feel like a fish out of water here...as my pups are toys...I don't see many here...a few but not lots.

I have 2 beautiful TZU's...both "runts" (very tiny) ...but I love that. Alex is usually my biggest worry, as he is 11 years old, with serious bone, heart and eyesight issues, and only 10 lbs. He is a very well bread pup...from a preferred breeder. I could go on an on about Alex's pedigree, but Audrey concerns me most now. Audrey, basically from a BYB whom I rescued...the stupid women was going to sell her to a breeder...this mega tiny pup (even now just 1 is not quite 5lbs) and has a mega defect to the breed, an overbite. So I jumped in and got her (even paid too much, but I had to save this cutie)...She is my baby girl!!!

OK here is the issue. I do not know why but Audrey (so unlike Alex) is an eating fanatic. We have to watch her like a hawlk....she will eat pennies on the floor...thank GOD I caught that one.

Well, tonight (about 7:00pm) we were chilling, enjoying the last days of summer on the deck. The phone rang and I went to answer it in the kitchen just off the deck. I grabbed the phone (I was not gone more than a minute) and returned to my Audrey at the door snorting...like gasping for breath. She was keeling over like she was gonna throw...but the noise she was making told me something more. I just threw down the phone and grabbed my baby...I slapped her on the back...then put her under me and pushed up on her (what seemed to be ) swollen tummy...trying people CPR on a pup...I did NOT know what to do (which scares me more than anything). Then I did not know what to do, as she has stopped making any noise, so I laid her down....I so thought she was gonna die in front of my eyes....all my fault, I left her on the deck alone...who know what she found. She just flopped down...I so thought she was gone...I really did, I was so hysterical hubby got out of the pool and the neighbors came running....

But what she was doing was laying on her back...cowering like, as if she felt she did something wrong and I was punishing her. I was just trying to help her...I never hit her before...but I though she was choking...I still think she was. She seems fine now...I gave her water and she has been sleeping since (I am watching her breath...fear I will get no sleep tonight).

My question...has this EVER happened to anyone else??? Is this Normal...did I do bad...I so so love my pup...totally adore her and Alex. These pups are so much my world few folks understand it.

Before you ask, as it was late the vet was closed, but I called the Animal emergency hospital a town over. They did not think she needed to be brought in, and thought she may have just been throwing up from eating grass (yes she eats that...and I am sorry to say her poop too....trust me I am there everytime she goes...but she grabs it and runs before I can get to it at times..and as little as she is she can RUN) and I confused that for choking.

I will re-check with my vet in the morning, but I seriously think this was more that just Throwing up...I am the mom of an 11 year old TZU too, I NEVER saw/heard this before...NEVER!!!

Kinda wondering if the overbite she has is an issue...

So what do you think...and is she going to hate me for hitting her...it was just to try and help her...but I feel bad about that...

Thanks, and sorry to be so long winded...but it was so darn traumatic!!!

Thanks for your support!!!

[HeartSong]

Could have been that she was choking on something or had something that was just having a hard time going down. Perhaps she ate a bug?

I have had dogs gag on something before. Usually they get it down or out by themselves. But if it happens again and she is having problems with it, watch her for a second to try to determine if she is choking or just having trouble breathing. They will usually paw at their mouth if they are choking on something. If she does seem to be choking, gently open her mouth and look down her throat. You can also sweep a finger along the back of her mouth to see if there is anything in the front of her throat. . . Actually, here is a really good site on what to do if a small dog is choking. http://www.spca.org/site/PageServer?...C_Dog_Heimlich

[jacs]

I've seen this is the kennels with small breeds too... I'M DEF NOT AN EXPERT... but it could be whats called a reverse sneeze... its caused when the flap covering the esophagus lodges on the wrong side.... the snorting...gagging sort of sound is the dogs way of forcing it back into place. sort of like an asthma attack. Lightly pinching the nostrils for 15-20 seconds (forcing them to swallow and breath through their mouth) while gently rubbing the throat from mouth to chest will usually stop the attack. BUT I SAY AGAIN IM NO EXPERT!!!!! ask your vet about this. my aunty has two tiny chihuahua's both litter mates... the female started doing this at about 2yr old while the male doesnt at all.

Let us know how it goes...
Also contacting a good trainer may help with the eat everything and anything attitude.

[jacs]

PS she should also get over it all with some attention from you... she no doubt loves you or she wouldnt have let you touch her in 1st place.

[Vinni]

Thanks guys...great link Heart...I will check it out in more detail when i have more time.

Well I was up late with her...so worried, but by about 1:00am she starrted to stir, I took her out, she did her business, then we came in and went to bed...I snuggled her close, and snhe me all night. Usually she sleeps at the end of the bed...but last night we shared a pillow.

I appologized for hurting her...I think she get it, i knwo she musth have felt how very scard for her I was!!! I just Pray it NEVER Happens again!!!!

[Blaze]

I'm glad Audrey is ok now! I'm sure she realizes you were trying to help her!

Since getting Lilly 4 yrs ago I have gotten very used to these sorts of things happening - she has chocked many times before and each time has been incredibly scary but we're getting used to it now - she just looks at me as if to say 'make it stop!' nowadays and once I have she runs off happily! I have also had it happen with other little dogs I've been looking after, they seem to get hold of things which are unavoidable (kibble, toys etc) and I too have felt awful about patting them on the back, putting my fingers down their throat etc but it really does need to be to done and I'm pretty sure they know it!

You did the right thing and I'm glad your little girl is fine!!

[Vinni]

Originally Posted by Lilly's_owner

You did the right thing and I'm glad your little girl is fine!!

Thanks Lilly....appreciate the support...I felt horrable tough..she is so so Tiny.

Vet said he did not think it was worth me comming in for a special appt. about this, but he will examine her when I take her in next week for her grooming.

Again, thanks all!!!