My Little Dan Almost Died Yesterday!
 

I'm sorry to be a drama queen but I just had to share with other yorkie lovers since I am still so shaken up.

Yesterday Dan got a hold of a piece of turkey that fell while it was being carved. I came after him to make sure it wasn't a bone. Being the cheeky little guy he is, he tried to run away while swallowing the whole thing. The next thing I know he is going totally limp on the floor and not getting any air!!!! I yell out that he is not breathing and not moving! I have never seen him so limp.

Thank God, one of my guests pushed me out of the way and got into his throat. She couldn't get it out so she pushed it down into his belly and he jumped up. I was so wound up after everyone left that I couldn't sleep thinking about what would have happened if she wasn't there to save him! Only minutes later he was back in the kitchen begging for more turkey :)

He seems fine today and honestly I think the whole thing was harder on me than him. I never want to see my little guy like that again.

Thanks for listening.

Sheila

OMG! I'm glad that Dan is okay! What a scare you had! :(

Oh My Goodness!!
 

Wow, Sheila, thank goodness your friend was there! Here is a great thread on the Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs that deserves reposting. It was posted by YorkieUSA when I saw it.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23243

From Yorkie USA:

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There is no 911 system for common pet emergencies. We, the dog owners need to know how to support an animal in distress. From what I have seen, most cities have pet first aid and/or CPR classes offered through local dog clubs, veterinarians and even the Red Cross. Please locate one in your area.
Maybe some of the choking deaths from greenies could have been avoided if the heimlich mneuver was done???

The Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

Check for signs of choking: hard coughing, eyes bulging in panic because he can't breathe, and pawing at the mouth.

Clear the mouth. If the dog is conscious, pry open the mouth and look inside. Hold one hand over the top of the mouth, using your thumb and forefinger to press against the lips to get the mouth open. Pull the bottom jaw down with your other hand. Use your thumb and first finger to sweep the back of the mouth and pull out the object.

Place dog on his side. If you can't see anything, turn him on his side, head lower than his rear. Put something like a pillow under the rear end.

Find the bottom of the rib cage, where the ribs meet in the middle (sternum). Then go a few fingers width below, toward the belly.

Press in and up. If your dog is small, put one hand at the spot you found, and the other behind the dog's back for support. If your dog is large, use both hands to press in and up. Keep doing it until he expels what he was choking on. Try the next step if this one doesn't work.

Do artificial respiration, if necessary. If he's unconscious, keep him on his side, head lower than the rear. Extend the head gently up and out. Pull the tongue to the side. Do the compressions from the last step, twice. Then check the mouth for the object. Close the mouth, extend the head up, and give two breaths through the dog's nose until you see the chest rise. Repeat the compressions, the mouth check and the two breaths until the dog is breathing again.

Get to the vet ASAP.

http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/15757"
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Hold your little one tight today!

Glad to hear he is ok! :)

im so glad your baby is ok.. wow what a scare... i would of had a heartattack.

I am so glad that your little is ok .

My gosh! A fear we all have! You know, I worry about these greenies. I have given both my dogs one this morning and what is left, a couple pieces of little things I just threw away after reading this post. It's hard to know what is safe. :aimeeyork

Oh my goodness!!! I would have been freaking out also. What a close call, thank God he is fine!!!

OMG! That would have freaked me out, too. Good thing someone was quick on their feet!! Doggie ok - Mommy has heart attack!! :thumbdown

Mine do the snatch and run all the time when they think they've gotten something they shouldn't have. Sad thing is, when it's food, I never think to go after them, I just figure they'll eat it before I can catch them. I never thought about them choking!! :eek:

I'm printing out the instructions above, and beleive you me, I'll be running after them from now on!

I am so glad that your little one is okay...I can't even imagine how scared you were!!!

Oh wow what a scare! I am glad he is okay!

That is so scary!! My father in law tried to give Buddha a leg with the bones and all!! Luckily my daughter was there and grabbed!

I am always afraid to go after them when they have something in their mouth that they shouldn't. I have taught "drop it" but I am not sure it would work with yummy turkey!!!

WOW ...that little Dan was one lucky boy - and your guest saved his life...How terribly scary for you all. I'm so glad to hear everything came out ok - that would have been just devestating...I had chills reading your post.

I think your friend deserves a night on the town :) Tell your friend that we ALL need friends like that in our lives - that was really quick thinking

Wow what an ordeal!!!!!!!! I am glad Dan is alright.

That is so scary! I'm so glad things turned out well!