Drowning and Near-Drowning in Dogs

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What is Drowning and Near-Drowning in Dogs?

Drowning and near-drowning incidents in dogs are tragically common despite the misconception that dogs are natural swimmers. While some dogs may navigate water effortlessly, many struggle and are at risk of drowning or near-drowning episodes. Puppies under four months old are particularly vulnerable to drowning accidents, often falling into unfenced pools, ponds, or other bodies of water with no means of escape.

Drowning, more prevalent in dogs than cats, occurs when a dog succumbs to water and cannot resurface. Near-drowning, or nonfatal drowning, transpires when a dog is submerged but survives for at least 24 hours afterward.

The process of drowning involves an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the body, triggering the urge to breathe. As water fills the alveoli – tiny lung sacs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange – pneumonia, infections, and decreased oxygenation occur. The severity of damage depends on factors such as water temperature, its chemical composition, and the duration of submersion. Brain damage, organ failure, and potential death can swiftly follow immersion, as dogs have only minutes before irreversible consequences set in.

Prompt veterinary care is crucial in drowning emergencies. Even if a dog appears normal, delayed clinical signs warrant immediate attention. If your dog encounters a water-related accident, seek emergency veterinary assistance without delay.

Symptoms

The symptoms of drowning and near-drowning in dogs primarily affect the respiratory system:

Coughing, which may be accompanied by foamy, red saliva
Respiratory distress
Decreased body temperature
Blue gums, signaling cyanosis and lack of oxygen
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Apnea, or cessation of breathing

Causes

The causes of drowning and near-drowning incidents in dogs stem from various scenarios involving significant amounts of water. Most commonly, dogs drown in unmonitored areas near pools or ponds lacking easy exits. Thin ice over bodies of water also contributes to frequent drownings and hypothermia among dogs that accidentally fall through.

Primary causes of pet drowning include inadequate safety measures, owner negligence, and deliberate animal mistreatment. Additionally, everyday household items pose drowning hazards; shallow plastic children’s pools, bathtubs, and even water buckets can be perilous.

Any body of water with sufficient depth to cover the nose and mouth can pose a drowning risk to animals experiencing head trauma, seizures, hypoglycemic episodes, cardiac arrhythmias, fainting, or clotting — conditions leading to temporary loss of consciousness.

Previously, the term “dry drowning” was used to describe drowning events where the animal’s airway closes during or after water entry. Animals presumed to have “dry drowned” were found with minimal water in their lungs. However, recent research indicates this occurrence is exceedingly rare and not accurately categorized as a form of drowning. Most instances of “dry drowning” involve dogs not breathing before submersion due to other underlying issues such as trauma, blood clots, low blood sugar, or heart conditions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing drowning in dogs is typically straightforward, as pet owners often retrieve them from water and promptly seek veterinary assistance. However, diagnosing the complications of near-drowning requires careful examination and extensive veterinary attention.

Following a near-drowning incident, veterinarians undertake the following assessments and tests:

Blood chemistry, complete blood count, and urinalysis to assess organ function, electrolyte levels, and cellular damage.
Blood gas analysis to determine oxygenation levels and detect any abnormalities.
Chest X-rays to identify fluid accumulation and signs of pneumonia, which may not be immediately evident and could manifest a day or two post-event.
ECG monitoring to detect potential cardiac arrhythmias.
Endotracheal or transtracheal fluid analysis to identify infectious agents present in the lungs.
Advanced imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans to evaluate brain damage in cases of neurological impairment.

Treatment

Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial following a near-drowning incident, and treatment should commence without delay.

If your dog is unconscious, immediate mouth-to-muzzle resuscitation or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be necessary. Clear the airway of any obstructions and use towels to dry and warm the dog, as hypothermia is a common complication.

Upon arrival at the veterinary hospital, dogs involved in near-drowning incidents will receive oxygen supplementation to aid breathing. This may involve a mask, a cage, or full intubation in severe cases. An intravenous catheter will facilitate the administration of fluids and medications by the veterinarian.

The severity of the condition, as determined by clinical signs and diagnostic tests, will dictate further treatments, which may include:

Administration of cardiac medications
Antibiotic therapy
Management of brain swelling
Prescription of anti-cough medications

Living and Management

The recovery and prognosis of near-drowning incidents in dogs are closely linked to the duration of submersion and the interval before receiving veterinary attention. Dogs that remain conscious upon arrival at the veterinary hospital generally have a favorable prognosis if complications are absent. Recovery duration varies from days to weeks, contingent on the severity of the incident.

Common complicating factors and long-term concerns encompass:

Pneumonia
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
Gastrointestinal complications like bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea
Renal injury
Permanent neurological impairment
Coagulation abnormalities
Central diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by abnormal urination and thirst