Our pets love to explore, and sometimes their curiosity can lead them to water bodies, including pools. But are our four-legged companions safe around water? Unfortunately, while most pets instinctively know how to swim, not all of them can safely exit a pool or a pond, which can lead to dangerous situations. Let's delve into the dangers of pet drowning and the necessary steps you should take if your pet has a water-related accident.
Drowning, or suffocation by water, occurs when the lungs fill with water or another fluid. Some pets may appear to recover from a near-drowning incident but can develop a potentially fatal condition known as 'dry drowning' hours later. This happens when fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Hence, it's essential to get all pets that have fallen into water evaluated by a vet, even if they seem okay.
Here's what you can do if your pet falls into water:
- Safely remove your pet from the water.
- Position your pet on their side with their head and neck extended. It's best to have the head slightly lower than the body to help drain water from the lungs and prevent inhalation of stomach contents.
- To expel water from the lungs and stomach, gently press on the chest wall and stomach after pulling the tongue forward. Beware of bites.
- Begin CPR if necessary.
- To prevent heat loss, cover your pet with a blanket.
- Immediately seek veterinary help.
- Make sure to secure the water source to prevent other pets or children from falling in.
While these steps can be life-saving, remember:
- Don't skip the vet visit even if your pet seems to be recovering after your resuscitation.
- Various secondary complications like electrolyte imbalances, hypothermia, pneumonia, and fluid in the lungs can occur.
- Don't leave your pet unattended, as they might be confused and wander back to the water.
- Pets and pools can co-exist safely, but it's crucial to guide your pets. Pets instinctively swim to the nearest edge of a pool to get out, which may not be the best choice. Most animals cannot get out of a swimming pool at the edge and must find the steps. If your pets have access to a swimming pool, it's crucial to teach them where the steps are. Otherwise, they might swim to the nearest edge and try to get out until they either accidentally reach a step or tire and potentially drown.
In the end, prevention is the best protection. If you have a pool or live near a body of water, make sure your pets know how to navigate safely, and always keep an eye on their adventures. It's our responsibility to keep our furry friends safe while they enjoy their explorations.
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