• 🐶 Today is National Pet Choking Prevention Day 

• 🥰 How to help your dog if they are choking 

• 🦴 Meet Hazel, our DOTD

• 🐕 Become an Official Daily Dig Ambassador

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

What is the number one choking hazard for dogs?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

June 22 has been turned into a special pet awareness day to help educate pet owners about ways to prevent choking accidents in pets.

Recent statistics show that choking incidents are one of the leading causes of pet deaths each year, and it’s important to know how to prevent it. The incidents typically occur when dogs ingest small objects or pieces of bones that block their airways. The five most common objects that dogs choke on are:

1. Balls

2. Sticks

3. Chew Toys

4. Bully Sticks, Treats, and Chews

5. Food Packaging and Trash

Limit your dog’s access to those items unless you can supervise them. Choose items that are sized correctly for your dog. There is guidance on most treats that helps you select the correct ones for your dog. If you have a situation where your dog starts choking, read on for the steps to follow.

Choking might look different in your dog than you would expect. If they are having difficulty inhaling, they need immediate assistance. You might see them pacing, pawing at their face, drooling, and making a high-pitched squeaking or whistling noise. Follow these steps if your dog is experiencing this:

1. Open your dog’s mouth and check their airway. Put your hand around the upper side of the muzzle with your forefinger and thumb, and lift the upper jaw. Look to see if you can see anything caught in their

   throat. 

2. Try to dislodge the object. Use your index finger to carefully remove the object if possible. You can also try tweezers or needle-nose pliers. It’s important not to push the object further down.

3. Gravity can help. Hold your dog with their head facing the floor to see if gravity helps the object fall down. 

4. Perform the Heimlich maneuver. With your dog on your lap, gently roll them onto their back or hold your dog with their back to your front. Feel for the soft spot under their ribs. Make a fist with one hand, place your other hand over the top, and push in firmly five times. These short bursts of pressure can use the air in their lungs to pop the object out. 

If you aren’t able to perform this or you have concerns after following these steps, head immediately to your emergency vet. It’s good to have a follow-up even after the object is removed if you have any concerns, and your vet can check out the pup. 

Hazel is a seven-month-old Cockapoo. The right picture is the puppy’s happy face after playing with a dog. The picture on the left is her face while supervising the family playing in the pool. It’s hard to tell if she’s just tired or sad that she isn’t floating alongside them. Thanks for sharing Hazel with us, Melanie!

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnigan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: Rubber or plastic balls. It's incredibly important to use the right size ball when playing with your dog and keep an eye on them while they are playing. 

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is pups in summer. Showcase your dog's favorite summertime activity, whether that be napping in the sun, playing in the pool, or hanging out with a buddy. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community of paw pals? If so, please consider forwarding this email to all other dog enthusiasts in your life and help us spread joy, love, and inspiration, one pawprint at a time!