As a dog owner, one of the most common things you may encounter is your furry friend putting something in their mouth that they shouldn’t have.

Whether it’s a toy that’s too small or a piece of food that’s dangerous for them, it’s important to know how to safely remove the object from their mouth without causing any harm. In this article, we’ll share tips and tricks for removing an object from a dog’s mouth.

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic

The first and most important thing to remember when removing an object from your dog’s mouth is to stay calm and avoid panicking. Dogs can sense your anxiety, and it can make them more anxious or aggressive.

If you’re nervous or upset, your dog may sense this and become more difficult to handle. Take deep breaths and stay focused on the task at hand.

2. Make Sure It’s Safe to Remove the Object

Before attempting to remove an object from your dog’s mouth, make sure it’s safe to do so. If the object is sharp or poisonous, it may be best to let a veterinarian handle the removal.

If the object is too large to fit through your dog’s mouth, you may need to call for professional help.

3. Use Safety Equipment

If you need to manually remove an object from your dog’s mouth, it’s important to use safety equipment to protect both you and your dog. Gloves, towels, and a muzzle can prevent you from getting bitten while removing the object.

However, make sure the muzzle is correctly fitted to prevent any discomfort for your dog.

4. Use Distractions to Help Remove the Object

If your dog refuses to let go of the object, you can try distracting them with a toy or treat. This can help them to release the object and focus on the new item instead.

However, be careful not to use a toy that’s too small or easily swallowed as it may cause another problem.

5. Use the “Leave It” Command to Train Your Dog

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from putting something dangerous in their mouth is to train them with the “leave it” command. This command can be used when your dog tries to pick up something they shouldn’t have.

Teaching your dog this command can be a life-saving skill and can help prevent future emergencies.

6. Don’t Reach Too Far into Your Dog’s Mouth

If you need to reach into your dog’s mouth to remove an object, be careful not to reach too far. This can cause your dog to gag or swallow the object.

Instead, gently open your dog’s mouth and remove the object with a pair of pliers or tweezers.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you’re unable to remove the object yourself or if your dog is choking, seek professional help immediately. Your veterinarian or a pet emergency clinic can assist you in safely removing the object from your dog’s mouth.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help.

8. Stay Calm During an Emergency Situation

In an emergency situation, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Dogs can sense your anxiety and may become more difficult to handle if you’re nervous or upset. Take deep breaths, stay focused, and seek professional help if needed.

9. Supervise Your Dog to Prevent Future Incidents

Prevention is the best cure, and the best way to prevent your dog from picking up dangerous objects is to supervise them closely.

Ensure that your dog does not have access to small toys, food, or other objects that can be easily swallowed or cause a choking hazard.

10. Consider Training and Behavioral Therapy

If your dog frequently puts objects in their mouth that they shouldn’t, consider seeking professional help from a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist.

They can help you identify the reasons behind this behavior and suggest ways to prevent it from happening in the future.