Whether your pup loves to swim or accidentally falls into the water, knowing how to save a dog from drowning is crucial. Here’s a guide on recognizing the signs of drowning, performing rescue techniques, and providing aftercare.
Recognizing Drowning
Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Watch for these signs:
- Panicked Movements: Your dog might be paddling frantically and struggling to keep their head above water.
- Floating Low in Water: If your dog’s body is mostly submerged and only their nose is above water.
- Unresponsiveness: Your dog might appear to be floating still or unconscious.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Safety First: Ensure your own safety before attempting a rescue. Use a life vest if available.
- Call for Help: If possible, have someone call for help while you assist your dog.
- Get to Your Dog: Use a boat, raft, or swimming if necessary. Try to approach your dog calmly to avoid causing more panic.
Rescuing Your Dog
- Lift Carefully: Support your dog’s head above water and lift them out carefully.
- Check for Breathing: Once out of the water, check if your dog is breathing and if they have a pulse.
Performing CPR
If your dog isn’t breathing or doesn’t have a pulse, you may need to perform CPR:
- Check Airway: Open your dog’s mouth and remove any obstructions, including water, using your fingers.
- Artificial Respiration:
- For small dogs, cover their nose and mouth with your mouth and blow gently.
- For larger dogs, close their mouth and blow into their nose. Give one breath every 4-5 seconds.
- Chest Compressions:
- For small dogs, use one hand to compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- For larger dogs, use both hands, one on top of the other, to compress the chest at the same rate.
- Alternate Breaths and Compressions: Follow a cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until your dog starts breathing or help arrives.
Aftercare
Once your dog is breathing, it’s essential to get them checked by a vet as soon as possible, even if they seem fine. Water in the lungs can cause complications like pneumonia.
Preventing Drowning
- Supervise Near Water: Always watch your dog when they’re near water, especially if they’re not a strong swimmer.
- Use Life Vests: Equip your dog with a life vest when boating or swimming.
- Teach Swim Skills: Gradually introduce your dog to water and teach them how to exit pools or other bodies of water.
Final Thoughts
Drowning is a frightening emergency, but with these steps, you can act quickly to save your dog’s life. Always supervise your pup around water and be prepared for emergencies.