Drowning
Near Drowning In Dogs Can Be Fatal
Many owners believe their dogs inherently know how to swim. However, this is not the case for many dogs. Aside from not knowing how to swim, a dog that falls into a body of water can drown or nearly drown as a result of not being able to get out.
Swimming pools and hot tubs usually only have step ladders at each end and dogs do not know how to swim to steps and get out. What is more likely to happen is that the dog swims aimlessly around the pool, becomes exhausted and then can drown from sheer exhaustion.
Some Dogs Are At Higher Risk
Dogs with certain medical conditions may be more prone to water accidents, these include; seizures, dementia, arthritis, irregular heart rhythm and blindness. If your dog has any of these conditions, they should never be left unattended near a body of water.
Even if your dog is healthy, it can accidentally fall into a pool or body of water while running or playing. If you take your dog boating, consider buying your dog a life jacket. You can buy these at many pet stores or on the internet.
Even If Your Dog Is Rescued, Near Drowning Can Be Fatal For Dogs
If your dog falls into water, struggles and is rescued, it may still suffer from after effects of near drowning. In just a matter of minutes or even seconds, a dog can inhale a large amount of water into the lungs. You may notice coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, fluid coming from the mouth and nose, distress and anxiety. These signs can range from mild to severe. A dog may become very cold after inhaling water and have difficulty regulating its body temperature. Another common condition that can occur after a near drowning is pneumonia.
Secondary drowning which can be fatal can occur up to 3 days after a near drowning experience. After initially appearing normal, dogs suffering from secondary drowning, which could mislead owners to believe their dogs is fine and does not need to be examined by a vet.
What Should A Dog Owner Do If Your Dog Nearly Drowns?
If your dog is experiencing a near drowning episode, you should immediately take them to the nearest vet for evaluation. Ideally, your dog should have x-rays taken and kept for diagnostic record.
Near Drowning In Dogs Can Be Fatal
Many owners believe their dogs inherently know how to swim. However, this is not the case for many dogs. Aside from not knowing how to swim, a dog that falls into a body of water can drown or nearly drown as a result of not being able to get out.
Swimming pools and hot tubs usually only have step ladders at each end and dogs do not know how to swim to steps and get out. What is more likely to happen is that the dog swims aimlessly around the pool, becomes exhausted and then can drown from sheer exhaustion.
Some Dogs Are At Higher Risk
Dogs with certain medical conditions may be more prone to water accidents, these include; seizures, dementia, arthritis, irregular heart rhythm and blindness. If your dog has any of these conditions, they should never be left unattended near a body of water.
Even if your dog is healthy, it can accidentally fall into a pool or body of water while running or playing. If you take your dog boating, consider buying your dog a life jacket. You can buy these at many pet stores or on the internet.
Even If Your Dog Is Rescued, Near Drowning Can Be Fatal For Dogs
If your dog falls into water, struggles and is rescued, it may still suffer from after effects of near drowning. In just a matter of minutes or even seconds, a dog can inhale a large amount of water into the lungs. You may notice coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, fluid coming from the mouth and nose, distress and anxiety. These signs can range from mild to severe. A dog may become very cold after inhaling water and have difficulty regulating its body temperature. Another common condition that can occur after a near drowning is pneumonia.
Secondary drowning which can be fatal can occur up to 3 days after a near drowning experience. After initially appearing normal, dogs suffering from secondary drowning, which could mislead owners to believe their dogs is fine and does not need to be examined by a vet.
What Should A Dog Owner Do If Your Dog Nearly Drowns?
If your dog is experiencing a near drowning episode, you should immediately take them to the nearest vet for evaluation. Ideally, your dog should have x-rays taken and kept for diagnostic record.
