What should you do if a rat chokes? - briefly
Check the rat’s mouth and throat, gently remove any visible blockage with a fine, blunt tool or flush the area with warm water; if the animal does not resume normal breathing within a few seconds, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What should you do if a rat chokes? - in detail
When a rodent shows signs of airway blockage—silent cough, labored breathing, or inability to swallow—immediate action is required.
First, isolate the animal in a calm environment to reduce stress. Gently hold the rat with one hand supporting the chest and the other hand securing the head. Tilt the head slightly forward to encourage any loose material to fall out.
If the obstruction is visible at the mouth, use a pair of fine tweezers or a blunt needle to grasp and extract it. Do not push the object deeper; a swift, careful pull is sufficient.
When the blockage is not apparent, perform a series of back blows. Position the rat over your forearm, head lower than the body, and strike the upper back between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Deliver two to three firm blows, checking the mouth after each attempt.
If back blows fail, administer abdominal thrusts. Place one thumb on the rat’s sternum just behind the breastbone, the other fingers supporting the abdomen. Apply a quick, upward pressure to create a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure that may expel the obstruction. Perform one to two thrusts, then re‑examine the oral cavity.
Should the rat remain unresponsive, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Lay the animal on its right side, extend the forelimb, and compress the chest gently at the midpoint of the rib cage. Deliver 5‑7 compressions per second, alternating with mouth‑to‑mouth breaths if possible, for a total of 30 compressions followed by two breaths. Continue cycles until the airway clears or the animal revives.
After successful removal of the blockage, monitor the rat for at least ten minutes. Observe breathing rate, responsiveness, and any signs of distress. Even if the animal appears normal, arrange an urgent veterinary examination to assess potential damage to the airway or lungs.
Prevention measures include providing appropriately sized chew toys, cutting food into small pieces, and supervising the rat during feeding of large or hard items. Regular checks of the cage for hazardous objects further reduce the risk of accidental choking.