Gag reflex

[shazzabing]

Hi
Can any one tell me if a dog has a gag reflex
The reason I ask is lexi was chewing a raw hide shoe and looked like she had finished. However kept chewing. On investigation realised she had a huge piece stuck I her throat. The nurse in my took over and stuck ma hand down her throat and pulled it out. Which she never even bothered with and didn't really gag. Don't want this to happen if am out and she chokes!!!

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Shazzabing x
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Shazzabing x

[lesley]

Alfie would do that with rawhide chews, although he would choke on them, so I just don't give him them any more. Or if I do, he gets the cigar ones and I take it off him before he gets near the end. I wouldn't give her them when ur not there to watch her just in case!

[Sharon Falconer]

I agree with Lesley.
I wouldn't leave any of mine with a rawhide chew. I do occasionally give them to the dogs but it is the big solid bone ones, not the knotted ones and they are always supervised when they have them.
I would err on the side of caution. If you look at the rawhide when it is all chewed and soggy, it has expanded. If a bit got stuck, it would expand where it was with the continuous contact with saliva and digestive enzymes so I would definitely not take the chance although I know alot of people do. It's just not worth the risk. It's lucky you were there to remove it and knew what to do without panicking.
It's amazing how much they make us worry. I think sometimes moreso than kids!
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What youneed for the ultimate stressbuster---
1 burst football (can be replaced by 1 burst rugby ball) +
1 German Shepherd

[shazzabing]

Thanks ladies
She won't be getting them unsupervised again
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Shazzabing x