National Pet Choking Prevention Day
National Pet Choking Prevention Day is all about raising awareness of hidden dangers that threaten our pets.
It highlights everyday items—like chew toys, food bits, cords, and small household objects—that can block an animal’s airways.
Veterinarians treat over 200,000 choking cases each year in the U.S. alone. That figure doesn’t even count pets saved at home without vet care.
Pets don’t realize danger lurks in that fun toy or treat. This day reminds pet parents to think twice about what they leave within paws’ reach.
This observance speaks to pet lovers in a friendly, relatable way. It invites people to scan their living spaces for hazards and remove or supervise items that could spell trouble.
Stories from vets and experts highlight how awareness can save lives. For example, one pet nutritionist shared how a simple safety device brought her peace during chew times.
By sharing these reminders, pet owners are urged to swap risky treats for safer ones, choose toys that fit snugly, and always stay close during chewing.
Through small, everyday steps, we can protect our beloved companions from preventable emergencies—and turn potential crises into moments of care and connection.
How to Celebrate National Pet Choking Prevention Day
Here’s a deeper, more thoughtful version of the five suggestions—each one framed to connect with everyday pet lovers and highlight the meaning behind the action:
Get on their level
Take a few minutes to look around your home from your pet’s point of view. What’s small, tempting, and easy to grab?
Stray hair ties, dropped snacks, broken bits of toys—these can quickly turn dangerous. A simple sweep under the couch or kitchen table could stop a tragedy before it starts.
Choose toys like you’d choose baby items
When picking toys or treats, size matters more than cuteness. Go for strong materials that won’t break apart or shrink with chewing.
If a toy’s small enough to vanish inside a paper towel tube, it’s small enough to choke on. Think safe before fun.
Be there when they chew
Your pet trusts you, especially during their favorite part of the day—snack time. Hard treats, bones, or chew toys can splinter or get stuck.
Sit with them. Watch for signs they’re struggling. If they gulp too fast, pause the treat and let them rest. That small moment of attention can prevent a scary emergency.
Learn what to do in a crisis
No one wants to imagine their pet choking, but staying calm under pressure starts with practice. Find a short pet first-aid class online or through a local shelter.
Knowing where to press and how to act could give you the confidence to act fast when seconds count.
Share what you’ve learned
Talk to other pet owners. Mention the risks at the park or during casual chats. Post a tip or photo on social media to spread the word.
Every conversation could save another dog or cat from harm, and that ripple can reach more homes than you think.
History of National Pet Choking Prevention Day
National Pet Choking Prevention Day began in 2023 with one clear goal, save pets from choking dangers at home.
It was started by Dr. Judy Morgan, a well-known veterinarian with decades of experience in emergency pet care. She partnered with Bow Wow Labs, a company focused on pet safety.
Together, they created the campaign under the banner “Target: Zero,” meaning zero pet choking incidents. Their mission was to make pet owners more aware of everyday items that can cause a pet to choke, from broken toys to hard treats.
Dr. Morgan had seen far too many preventable emergencies in her career. That experience pushed her to act. She wanted people to understand that even healthy, happy pets can face sudden danger if the wrong object is left within reach.
Bow Wow Labs, known for its chew safety device, supported the effort by offering tools and tips for pet families.
The campaign quickly gained attention. Pet shelters, clinics, and veterinary groups joined in, spreading the message through websites, events, and social media.
What started as a single idea turned into a national safety movement. National Pet Choking Prevention Day now helps people across the country protect their pets through simple, smart choices at home.
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