A dog may inadvertently choke on rabbit ears. Rabbit ears are potential choking hazards.  Allow your dog to chew on rabbit ears only when supervised, and supervise until when your dog has chewed the rabbit ears down small enough to swallow

In this post we’ll talk about the following:

• Why is choking on rabbit ears dangerous
• Symptoms your dog is choking on a rabbit ear
• Why do dogs choke on rabbit ears?
• How to help your dog while it's choking on a rabbit ear
• Can dogs swallow rabbit ears?

Why Is Choking On Rabbit Ears Dangerous?

Dogs, like children, can be very inquisitive, which is both healthy and dangerous. You should be wary of items that could cause your dog to choke, such as rabbit ears that your dog could swallow.

Dogs can choke easily, and this could be caused by something as simple as wolfing down their food too quickly.

If your dog begins to choke, it can be very serious, and in some cases fatal. This is why you must exercise extreme caution when it comes to what your dog consumes. 

Symptoms Your Dog Is Choking on A Rabbit Ear

It is critical to recognize the signs of your dog choking because they may not be immediately apparent, especially if you were not present to see when your dog was putting the rabbit ear in its mouth.

Symptom # 1: Displaying Signs of Anxiety

One of the warning signs to look for is your dog clearly in distress and displaying signs of anxiety. While this could be due to a variety of issues, it will allow you to see that something is wrong.

Symptom # 2: Difficulty Breathing

You should also be on the lookout for other signs that your dog is choking. For example, you may notice that your dog is having difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Their breathing will stop or become laboured - both of these are signs of choking 

Symptom # 3: Unusual Body Language

Some dogs will paw at their faces if they are unable to breathe properly. Many people will start gagging, drooling, and feeling sick. 

All of these symptoms could indicate that your dog has either swallowed rabbit ears that have become stuck or that their throat is restricted by this rabbit ear, causing throat swelling.

You might also notice your dog dry heaving. Because of the anxiety and distress they are feeling, their ears and tail may be down. All of these are symptoms that you should look for to determine whether your dog is choking.

Symptom # 4: Unusual Movements and Sounds

Other warning signs include your dog pacing back and forth in distress, a heaving chest, a panicked expression, and making retching noises. These are all signs that your dog is choking, and you should check their mouth or take them to the vet as soon as possible.

 If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Choking should be treated as an emergency in your dog, just as it would in a human.

Why Do Dogs Choke on Rabbit Ears?

Rabbit ears are dry and most of the time – hairy – this makes them a choking hazard if they are not swallowed correctly.

If your dog swallows something small enough to fit into the trachea opening and block the airways, it may choke. This will result in a variety of symptoms including gagging, drooling, and vomiting.

Similarly, choking can occur if the airways become blocked as a result of one or more rabbit ears. As with any animal or human, dogs experiencing breathing difficulties will panic, but as the owner, you must remain calm in order to help your dog more effectively.

How To Help Your Dog While It's Choking on a Rabbit Ear

If you want to be able to assist your dog in the event of choking, you must be aware of the signs and symptoms. Furthermore, you should try to prevent this from happening in the first place by making sure your dog is supervised when chewing on rabbit ears.

Here’s what you need to do to help your choking dog:

• Keep your dog calm if he appears to be choking on a rabbit ear. A dog that is suffocating will panic and may bite.
• To avoid bite wounds, never place your hand in your dog's mouth to retrieve the rabbit's ear.
• If your dog is still breathing, take him to the nearest veterinarian or veterinary emergency centre right away.
• If your dog is unable to breathe, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre to remove the item.
• To see if you can see what is stuck, open the dog's mouth and pull its tongue forward. You should be able to remove the item if it can be seen and reached.
• If your dog collapses, then and only then should you open the mouth and try to remove the item.
• Open the mouth with both hands and grasp the upper jaw, pressing the lips over the dog's teeth so they are between the teeth and your fingers. Examine your dog's mouth and, if possible, remove the obstruction.
• If you are unable to remove the rabbit ear, try prying it out of the dog's mouth with a flat spoon.

IMPORTANT TIP: If your dog is choking and you are unable to see the rabbit ear that your dog is choking on,, you must take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your veterinarian will then be able to perform a thorough examination and remove the foreign object (rabbit ear in this case)  before it causes further distress or problems.

Can Dogs Swallow Rabbit Ears?

Yes, dogs can swallow rabbit ears. The fun fact is that most people forget that rabbit ears are not toys but edible snacks that have multiple benefits for your pet’s well-being.

Rabbit ears are extremely beneficial to your dog. The fur that covers the rabbit ears is a source of fibre, and as we all know, the fibre in the diet promotes good digestive health.

The Verdict

Curious dogs and cats investigate their surroundings by tasting and chewing, but they sometimes bite off more than they can chew. This is the case when it comes to rabbit ears. To ensure that your pet does not choke on rabbit ears, supervise them when they are having rabbit ears.