Care must be taken not to cause problems or make existing ones worse when trying to help. Protect yourself when administering first aid to an animal. Even an animal you know may bite or scratch when afraid or injured. Purchase or put together a first aid kit. Levelheadedness is imperative.
Animals respond best to quiet voices and a slow, soothing approach.
With these principles in mind, train yourself to differentiate between life-threatening and less serious situations. Pull the tongue out and clear the throat of mucus and blood with your fingers or a bulb syringe. Gently but quickly reach into the back of the throat to detect and remove any foreign object. Generally, these animals are unconscious, but take care not to be bitten. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver if the foreign object cannot be reached.