Recognized on June 22, National Pet Choking Prevention Day is a mission-driven campaign to spread education to pet-parents all over the globe about the everyday pet choking hazards around your home, the shocking statistics of how common (and avoidable) pet choking is, and the simple yet important ways we can come together to help eliminate these risks for our beloved pets.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to pet safety, National Pet Choking Prevention Day was created with a simple mission of “Target: Zero”, working hard towards the goal to 100% eliminate tragic pet choking deaths and pet choking incidents.
History of National Pet Choking Prevention Day
Tragically, over 200,000 pet choking incidents occur annually in the United States, costing pet parents millions of dollars in veterinarian fees, more importantly, costing them an immeasurable and irreversible physical and emotional toll. These pet choking tragedies cause panic, fear, and anxiety to pet-parents and the veterinary professionals that try to save their lives.
Inspired by one simple goal of creating more awareness and education for pet-parents towards eliminating all pet choking incidents in the USA and around the world, Bow Wow Labs , a national pet wellness product company, created National Pet Choking Prevention Day to build a global community of people that share their dedication to keep pets safe, healthy and happy.
Partnering with veterinary professionals that see and must treat preventable pet choking incidents every day, including Dr. Judy Morgan, National Pet Choking Prevention Day will be proudly recognized for the first time on June 22, 2023.
Top 5 Choking Hazards for Dogs & Cats
CATS:
- String
- Window Blind Cords
- Fishing Pole/Wand Type Toys
- Plastic
- Rubber Bands & Hair Ties
DOGS:
- Balls
- Sticks
- Chew Toys
- Bully Sticks, Treats & Long Term Chews
- Food Packaging & Trash
National Pet Choking Prevention Day FAQs
What are the most common items that cats and dogs regularly choke on?
Pet choking occurrences are more common than one may think. In fact, it is a common occurrence and something that is sadly experienced in homes and veterinary clinics around the world. Hazards present themselves in the most thought of objects like chews, treats, and toys but risks are also caused by common everyday objects including foods like turnips or carrots, window blind cords, plastic snack bags, baby toys and in multi-species homes, smaller species toys, to name a few.
How common is pet choking? Is it really a risk to my pet?
Pet choking occurs regularly in homes and in veterinary clinics around the world. Most pet parents don’t realize that common everyday objects have the potential to be a hazard until it is too late. Any object that is capable of blocking your pets airway has the potential to cause them to choke–and this is true of treats that are not chewed properly, as well.
How can I safeguard my pet from the dangers going forward?
#1 SIZE MATTERS: Size is of utmost importance when considering toys, treats and chews for your pets. For instance, the diameter of a ball should always be wider than the width of your pet’s jaw. Ensure that toys are unable to fit completely inside your pet’s mouth. Beware of chews and toys that break apart in large chunks but don’t break down into smaller pieces as these can all be hazardous as well.
#2 KNOW YOUR PET: Each pet has different tendencies. If your pet is one who swallows things whole versus another that chews thoroughly, keep that in mind, as it helps determine how you can best protect your pet. Knowing your pet’s habits and tendencies is important to identify potential hazards. And if you have a puppy or a kitten, always anticipate the worst and err on the side of caution using prevention as the first line of defense.
#3 NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED WITH TREATS & CHEWS: A good rule of thumb is if your pet is not finished by the time you get to the door, it is not okay to leave them with that treat and/or chew alone. Supervision is always recommended. Bow Wow Labs, the creator of the choking prevention safety device, the Bow Wow Buddy is a durable, easy-to-use, veterinarian-vetted, and dog-approved device that tightly secures bully sticks, preventing dogs from choking on the tail-end of the treat.
#4 TAKE CARE WITH MULTI-SPECIES HOUSEHOLDS: The perfect toy for your cat could be a choking hazard for your dog and vice versa. Take note of all your pet’s toys when you leave the house and your pets unattended. Also, if you have a human baby or toddler at home, watch for small toys that are left behind, as those can easily pose a choking hazard for your dog or cat.
How to Observe National Pet Choking Prevention Day
Identify the everyday choking hazards in your home and safeguard
Choking hazards are NOT just items that are top of mind when you think of choking hazards for your pets, such as pet toys, treats, and chews. It is the common everyday items that you might not think about that can pose significant risks as well.
Size Matters
Select proper-sized toys and treats for your pets. Toys and treats smaller than your pet’s windpipe or large enough to block the airway can create a choking hazard. In addition, the Bow Wow Buddy is a durable, veterinarian backed, and dog approved safety device that secures bully sticks. This helps prevent dogs from choking on the tail end of a bully stick and other long-term chews.
Educate others on the dangers
Target: Zero is simple. Let’s work together to help get pet choking incidents down from 200,000 to ZERO. Pet choking incidents are preventable – and with your help, we can eliminate these incidents that not only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoidable veterinary or emergency care, but also huge emotional and physical tolls on pets, pet-parents, and veterinary professionals.
Why Is Important
It helps spread the word
National Pet Choking Prevention Day raises awareness of the everyday dangers of pet choking. This day provides education for preventing choking, and the best part is that these may be shared both online and offline.
Encourages safeguarding and supervising pets against everyday choking hazards.
If you know the most common choking hazards in pets, you can get your pet the help they need and be aware of the dangers behind pet choking.
It prevents….
Let’s work together to help get pet choking incidents down from 200,000 to ZERO. Pet choking incidents are preventable – and with your help, we can eliminate these incidents that not only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoidable veterinary or emergency care, but also huge emotional and physical tolls on pets, pet-parents, and veterinary professionals.
Through education, we all can help spread knowledge & awareness about the most common, and often overlooked, items that can potentially block your pet’s airway, and find solutions on how to better protect your pet from potential everyday hazards lurking around your home and products that help keep them safe. Please join us!
National Pet Choking Prevention Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 22 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 22 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 22 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 22 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 22 | Thursday |
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