Caused by food, toys or other objects stuck in throat
 

Tongue swelling, trauma to neck or throat, or choking on own vomit are other causes
 

Sweep the mouth using caution not to get bitten
 

Turn the animal upside-down by lifting the rear legs
 

If object does not come out, apply abdominal thrusts, attempt to give 5 breaths of air
 

If not successful, administer "sharp blow" between shoulder blades, then repeat abdominal thrusts