How to Help if Your Dog is Drowning

Most dogs enjoy playing and swimming in the water. Sometimes, they may go in the pool or the ocean in which they cannot get out. They start to get weak and swallow water and debris. When this occurs, it is important to drain the water from his mouth and clear his airway first before you begin administering the artificial respiration.

If you have a small dog, hold him just above the hocks on the hind legs to allow as much water as possible to drain from the lungs. An unconscious dog may be shaken moderately, but never vigorously. If you do not see any sign of breathing, you must immediately lay him on his side and start administering artificial respiration.

If you have a large dog, you need to lay him on his side with his head at the lowest possible position. The next step is to lift his hind legs as high as you can in order to drain the water from the lungs. Allow 30 seconds for drainage before starting with the mouth-to-nose resuscitation until the dog starts to gasp.

To prevent your dog from future accidents in the water, cover or fence off all swimming pools and garden ponds. Make sure that your dog is supervised every time he goes in the water. Do not let him enter turbulent water conditions with strong undercurrents.

CPR for Dogs