What To Do If Your Pet Nearly Drowned
First aid for pets rescued from drowning
Drowning can occur when a pet’s head is submerged below water for a prolonged period of time causing their brain and other organs and tissues, to be deprived of oxygen. Some pets have a higher risk – those that are very old, very young, or sick. These animals may not be able to swim or may tire easily when in water.
Symptoms
Vomiting
Lethargy, collapse, loss of consciousness
Coughing, panting, difficulty breathing
Pale gums or blue tinged gums
Cool extremities
Drowning can cause life threatening shock and oxygen deprivation, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia – this is an emergency situation and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
Emergency treatment before transport to a veterinarian
- Remove your pet from the water immediately, dry it and make sure you keep it warm.
- Position your pet’s head so that the head is lower than the body and the nose is pointing downwards – this will help to clear the mouth and nose of fluid and debris.
- If your pet is not breathing, attempt mouth to nose resuscitation, giving one breath every 3 seconds.
- If your pet has no heartbeat, start CPR. CLICK HERE for CPR instructions
What to expect at the vet
CPR if indicated
Oxygen therapy
Intravenous fluids and medications as indicated to treat shock and brain swelling
Blood Tests to assess oxygenation of the blood and response to therapy.
Radiographs (x-rays) to assess the lungs
Mechanical ventilation in severe cases where the lungs are filled with fluid or if they are collapsed. This is a machine that breathes for your pet through a tube.
Prevention
Do not allow pets access to bodies of water without supervision.
Do not allow young children to bathe pets without supervision.
If you have a pool that your pet has access to, teach them where the steps are located so that they can get out easily.
Breathing difficulties may develop several hours after a near drowning incident, and as such, veterinary attention and observation is strongly recommended even if your pet appears normal. If treated appropriately, even severe cases of near drowning can make a full recovery.
Pet CPR | Heat Stroke | Blowfish Toxicity | Pet Drank Sea Water
Related Posts
Guidelines for safe transportation of sick or injured animals These are some general guidelines for the safe transportation of sick/injured animals from one location to...
What to do if your pet has been hit by a car or attached by another animal Any pet involved in a motor vehicle accident...
Advice and first aid for seizuring pets What is a seizure? Seizures are the most frequently seen neurological problem in dogs. They are the result...