What to do if a dog drowns? - briefly
If your dog has accidentally fallen into water and is struggling or appears to be in distress, quickly assess the situation for any immediate danger to yourself before attempting a rescue. Once safe, gently pull your dog out of the water by its hind legs, supporting its body to prevent further injury.
What to do if a dog drowns? - in detail
If a dog is pulled from the water and is unconscious, it is critical to start CPR immediately as time is of the essence. The first step in CPR for dogs is to ensure the airway is clear. Place the dog on its side on a flat surface and check for any foreign objects or debris that might be blocking its airway. If anything is found, carefully remove it with your fingers.
Next, perform a few quick compressions over the heart to stimulate blood flow. For small dogs, use one hand; for larger dogs, use both hands. Compress the chest wall firmly but gently, about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in depth, at a rate of 80-120 compressions per minute.
After 30 compressions, perform rescue breaths. Close the dog's mouth with your hands and blow air into its nostrils until you see the chest rise. Perform two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Continue CPR until the dog regains consciousness or until professional help arrives.
It is essential to monitor the dog’s vital signs throughout the process. Check for a pulse by placing your hand on the inside of the dog's leg, just above the hock joint. If there is no pulse after one minute of CPR, continue with compressions and rescue breaths.
Additionally, if available, use an oxygen mask to administer oxygen directly into the dog’s nose and mouth. This can help maintain adequate oxygen levels during resuscitation efforts.
Once the dog regains consciousness, keep it warm and dry. Wrap it in a blanket or towel to prevent hypothermia. It is crucial to take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment, even if it appears to be recovering.