Dogs will attempt to eat or play with anything. Do not allow your dog to play with anything that is small enough to get stuck in its mouth or throat.

What are the signs?
the dog may start to retch and paw at it's mouth, check immediately for any sign of an obstruction or foreign body.

What do I do?
If you can see the object try to remove it gently, by flicking it forward and out of the mouth, you must take care not to get bitten in the process, your dog will be in great distress, and will most likely be unable to control his/her natural reactions. When the obstruction is removed the mouth will automatically close, so please make sure you get your fingers out quickly before this happens.

I can't remove the object and my dog can't breath properly

Heimlich Manoeuvre
You will have to as a last resort use the Heimlich Manoeuvre Hold the dog upside down with its back to your chest, using both your arms make a couple (maximum of five) of sharp thrusts to the abdomen (under where the ribs end). if the foreign body has not been expelled, look into the mouth to see if it has been dislodged and gently remove it. Once removed the dog should start to breath normally. If you do have to use this method please have your dog examined for any possible internal injuries as soon as possible by your veterinarian.

 Be prepared to use the A.B.C procedure (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

First Aid is not meant to replace veterinary attention.