What should be done if a rat opens its mouth and is choking? - briefly
If a rat seems to be choking, hold it upright, gently open its mouth with a fingertip, and carefully remove any visible blockage using a blunt instrument or your finger. If the obstruction cannot be cleared or the animal does not resume breathing, contact a veterinarian without delay.
What should be done if a rat opens its mouth and is choking? - in detail
If a pet rat shows an open mouth, labored breathing, or makes choking noises, immediate intervention is required.
First, isolate the animal in a calm, well‑lit area to reduce stress. Gently restrain the rat by holding its body against your forearm, supporting the hindquarters, and keeping the head steady. Avoid excessive pressure on the neck.
Next, inspect the oral cavity. Use a small, soft‑tipped flashlight or a dim LED light to look for visible obstructions such as food particles, bedding fibers, or foreign objects. If an item is visible and can be grasped with fine tweezers, remove it carefully without pushing it deeper.
If no object is apparent, perform a brief, controlled back‑blow technique:
- Hold the rat upright, head slightly lower than the body.
- Deliver a sharp tap between the shoulder blades with the palm of your hand.
- Observe whether the rat expels material or resumes normal breathing.
Should the back‑blow fail, attempt a modified Heimlich maneuver appropriate for small rodents:
- Place the rat on its back on a soft surface.
- Position two fingers just behind the sternum, applying gentle, upward pressure.
- Perform one to two quick thrusts, monitoring for expulsion of the blockage.
After each attempt, re‑examine the mouth and airway. If the rat regains regular respiration and the mouth closes normally, allow it to recover in a quiet, warm environment. Offer a small amount of water after a few minutes, but do not feed until the animal is fully stable.
If the rat remains distressed, shows no improvement after three attempts, or you cannot locate the obstruction, seek veterinary care immediately. Transport the animal in a secure carrier, keeping it warm and minimizing handling. Inform the veterinarian that the rat exhibited choking signs and detail all interventions performed.
Preventative measures include providing appropriately sized food, avoiding small chewable objects, and regularly cleaning the cage to eliminate loose bedding that could be inhaled. Monitoring feeding habits and ensuring fresh water reduces the risk of airway blockage.