🌊 Drowning in Pets: 2025 Vet First Aid Guide for Water Rescue, CPR & Dry Drowning 🛟🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Drowning is a traumatic emergency for pets. Whether they fall into a pool, pond, or bath, rapid intervention can mean the difference between life and death. In this 2025 first aid guide, I’ll explain how to safely rescue a drowning pet, how to provide emergency care, and why near-drowning (dry drowning) can still be fatal hours later. 🐾💧

❗ What Is Drowning vs. Near Drowning?

• Drowning: when the lungs fill with fluid and the pet cannot breathe
• Near drowning: pet is revived but may develop pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) hours later

Both situations are medical emergencies. Even if your pet seems to recover, they still need veterinary monitoring. 🏥

🚨 What To Do Immediately

1. 🛟 Remove Your Pet From the Water

• Ensure your own safety first
• Use a pole, float, or towel to pull them out if possible

2. 🧍 Position the Pet

• Lay the pet on their side with their head slightly lower than the body
• This helps fluid drain from lungs and prevents aspiration of stomach contents

3. 👅 Pull the Tongue Forward

• Open the mouth and gently extend the tongue

4. 💨 Expel Water From Chest and Stomach

• Apply gentle pressure to the chest and stomach to aid fluid release
• Be cautious—do not compress too hard

5. ❤️ Begin CPR If Needed

If there is no breathing or pulse:

• Start chest compressions (100–120 per minute)
• Perform rescue breathing (10 breaths per minute)

🧠 For full CPR instructions, see the dedicated CPR guide.

6. 🧣 Cover With a Blanket

• Prevent heat loss after a cold water rescue
• Do not overheat—keep them warm but not hot

7. 🚗 Get to a Vet Immediately

Even if your pet seems okay, pulmonary edema or shock can occur hours later. This is known as “dry drowning.”

⚠️ What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t skip the vet just because your pet is walking or responsive
• ❌ Don’t leave the pet unattended—they may return to the water

📉 What Can Happen After Near Drowning?

After recovery, watch for these signs of delayed lung damage:

• 🌫️ Coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing
• 💤 Lethargy or weakness
• 🌡️ Fever or signs of pneumonia

If any symptoms develop in the first 24–48 hours, go to the vet immediately. 🏥