03/08/2026
Hey all, Danielle here.
I’m writing this still in utter shock, but hoping it might help save another dog’s life.
Last night, my 3-year-old girl was completely fine, happily playing all day. She went to lie down to sleep and, shortly afterwards, started trying to vomit. (She hadn’t been given anything since breakfast.)
She then choked on her vomit, which was only fluid, and collapsed because she couldn’t breathe. Her gums turned pure white, her tongue became a very dark blue, her body went rigid, and she was almost lifeless.
I instantly got her off her bed – all 52kg of her – got her into position and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre twice, checking her airway in between. I was in complete panic, but somehow I managed to do it.
(This isn’t always the best for all choking episodes)
Slowly, she started to come back to us, and I then rushed her to our lovely vets Willow Veterinary Clinic who do emergency out of hours thankfully, she was checked over and is being monitored now at home.
Being a canine hydrotherapist, we’re first aid trained. But what if I wasn’t?
So many of us own dogs, but do we all know the basics in case of an emergency like this? There was absolutely no warning, and it wasn’t caused by anything she’d been given. 🥹
I am so incredibly thankful to be waking up to her happy, smiling face this morning. Let’s just say she won’t be going more than a few minutes without a cuddle. ❤️
If you’d like more information about becoming canine first aid trained, or would be interested in me running a course, please send me a message. Anyone can learn these skills, and we never know when we might need them. They really could save a dog’s life.
