Dog Drowning & Near‑Drowning in 2025: Vet‑Backed Guide 🩺💧

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is Drowning or Near‑Drowning?

Many dogs aren’t strong swimmers and may panic, tire, or be unable to exit water, leading to drowning (fatal submerged) or near‑drowning (nonfatal but serious).

👀 Signs to Watch For

• Coughing, sometimes with foamy or bloody sputum
• Difficulty or rapid breathing, blue gums
• Hypothermia—low body temperature
• Vomiting, weakness, unconsciousness

🩺 First Aid Steps

• Remove dog from water safely—use pole, life ring, or boat; only swim in if no other choice
• Place on side, head & neck extended slightly downward to drain water
• Clear the airway; gently expel water by lifting or patting
• If not breathing but has a pulse: start artificial respiration via mouth-to-nose
• If no pulse: begin CPR—compressions + breaths ratio ~5:1
• Wrap in a blanket to prevent hypothermia; seek vet immediately

🏥 Veterinary Diagnosis & Care

• Vet will run bloodwork, blood gases, chest X‑rays & ECG
• May perform chest/airway wash to check for infection
• Oxygen support via mask, cage, or intubation; IV fluids; warming measures
• Additional support: antibiotics, cardiac meds, anti‑cough drugs, electrolytes

⚠️ Watch for Delayed Complications

“Dry” or “secondary” drowning may follow hours or days later as water in lungs leads to inflammation, pneumonia, or respiratory distress—monitor closely.

📈 Prognosis & Recovery

Recovery depends on how long the dog was submerged and the promptness of care. Dogs who are conscious at vet arrival often recover fully over days to weeks; severe cases have a risk of pneumonia, brain, or organ damage.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Supervise every pool/pond swim; teach exit points (steps/ramps)
• Use life jackets on boats or in open water
• Install pool barriers and alarms; train dogs on safe exits
• Avoid thin ice; watch water temperature and current conditions

📞 When to Call the Vet NOW

• Any submersion or coughing after water exposure
• Labored breathing, blue gums, weakness/loss of consciousness
• Any delayed respiratory signs within 72 hours post‐incident

These cases require urgent veterinary attention—even if your pup seems fine! Get help fast. 🆘

📲 Extra Support

Need real-time advice? Reach a vet instantly via the Ask A Vet app. Plus, equip your pup with safety essentials—dog life jackets. 🐾❤️