HOW OFTEN DO DOGS DROWN?
Unfortunately, dogs drown more often than many pet owners realize. In the United States, an estimated 5,000 dogs drown each year according to pet safety organizations.
There are several reasons why dogs may drown. Some dogs cannot swim well, while others become caught in strong currents or fall into water that is too deep to exit safely. Dogs may also fall through ice, become trapped in pools, or bodies of water without an easy escape route.
The good news is that many drowning incidents are preventable. Supervising your dog around water is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.
THE RISKS OF SWIMMING IN POOLS AND OPEN WATER
Although dogs are often considered natural swimmers, that does not mean they cannot drown. Swimming carries risks such as exhaustion, hypothermia, panic, and strong currents.
Puppies and young dogs are at higher risk, but drowning can happen to dogs of any age if proper precautions are not taken. Always supervise your dog near water and avoid allowing them to swim too far from shore or pool exits.
According to the American Kennel Club pool safety article states that hundreds of dogs drown in residential swimming pools each year, many of these incidents preventable with proper safety precautions.
HOW TO SAFELY TAKE YOUR DOG SWIMMING
Dogs are well known for their love of water. From splashing in puddles, to chasing waves at the beach, many dogs cannot resist the excitement of a good swim. Often dogs will pursue birds in the water, and the waves will overcome them very quickly. However, as much as your dog may enjoy time in the water, it is important to take safety precautions to ensure that fun does not turn into a horrible tragedy.
Simple steps like supervising your dog closely, teaching them where pool exits are located, and using a properly fitted life jacket can significantly improve water safety recommended by the American Kennel Club and American Red Cross pet water safety tips.
MOST DOGS THAT DROWN ARE YOUNG AND UNSUPERVISED
Drowning incidents involving dogs occur each year, often when pets are unsupervised near water. To reduce risk:
- Keep dogs on a leash near unfamiliar water, never retractable leashes, they act as anchors
- Always supervise pets around pools, lakes, and oceans
- Avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, or cold-water temperatures
- Teach your dog where pool exits are located
- Confirm your dog is comfortable swimming before extended water activity
- If you can afford to take them to swimming lessons in a safe, monitored pool environment, that would be ideal
Simple awareness can make a significant difference in preventing accidents, according to Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)
THE MAIN REASONS FOR PET DROWNING
Dogs may drown for several reasons, including:
- Lack of swimming ability. Some dogs simply do not know how to swim well, particularly smaller breeds.
- Panic. A frightened pet may thrash in the water and become exhausted quickly
- Fatigue. Swimming for long periods without rest can lead to exhaustion and drowning.
- Injury. An injured dog may be unable to return safely to shore. Dogs get pulled under by waves. There are several reasons that dogs drown, but the main one is that they get pulled under by waves.
- Strong waves/currents/cold water. Dogs may be pulled underwater by ocean conditions or fast-moving water. If the water is too cold for you, it’s also too cold for them.
Because dogs are naturally curious and attracted to water, supervision is essential whenever they are nearby. Dogs also have a pray drive, so they will go after birds and fish that they can’t catch. AVMA pet safety resources suggest these reasons as many ways dogs can drown.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN A DOG DROWN AFTER SWIMMING?
Yes. A dog can drown after swimming if it is unable to exit the water safely or becomes exhausted before reaching land. Even strong swimmers can drown if caught in a strong current or undertow.
Using a properly fitted dog life jacket can significantly improve safety during water activities.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A DOG IS DROWNING?
The easiest way to tell if a dog is drowning is to look for certain physical signs that include:
- Struggling to keep his/her head above water
- Wide or panicked eyes
- Rapid breathing
- Pawing at the water
- Circling or frantic movements
If you notice any of these warning signs, remove the dog from the water immediately and seek veterinary assistance if necessary.
ARE DOGS SAFE IN DEEP WATER?
Many dogs can swim in deep water, but they may tire quickly and require assistance. Some dogs are naturally hesitant around deep water and should never be forced to swim.
IS IT COMMON FOR DOGS TO DROWN?
No, it is not common for dogs to drown, but it happens way too often. While all dogs are susceptible to drowning, most dogs can instinctively swim and keep their heads above water, and many are naturally able to float for short periods of time.
While most dogs instinctively “dog paddle”, drowning still occurs, especially in swimming pools where exit points are not obvious to pets. Teaching your dog where pool stairs or ramps are located can reduce exhaustion and prevent emergencies.
Certain breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus, face increased risk because their narrow airways make breathing more difficult during swimming.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS FOUND IN WATER
If your dog has been submerged or experienced a near-drowning incident, immediate veterinary care is essential. Even if your dog appears normal afterward, complications such as fluid in the lungs can develop hours later. Even brief submersion can lead to delayed breathing complications, sometimes called secondary drowning, which is why prompt evaluation by a veterinarian is critical.
If your dog is found underwater, remove them from the water immediately and place them on a flat surface away from the water’s edge. If your dog is breathing or conscious, contact an emergency veterinarian right away and explain that a near-drowning incident has occurred. Many pets in this condition require oxygen support as soon as possible.
A veterinary professional may guide you through steps to take before transport, such as placing your dog on their side, slightly elevating the front half of the body, and extending the neck to help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs while traveling to the emergency clinic.
PREPARING FOR THE EMERGENCY VET VISIT
Before transport:
- Wrap your dog in a blanket to maintain body temperature
- Secure the water source to prevent additional accidents
- Bring your dog to an emergency clinic immediately
All submerged animals should be evaluated, even after only a few seconds underwater.
Even if your dog appears to recover and seems to be acting normally, it is still important to bring them to an emergency veterinarian for evaluation. In fact, any animal that has been submerged- even for a few seconds, should be examined, because fluid in the lungs can lead to breathing difficulties, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and other serious complications. There is also risk of secondary drowning, sometimes called dry drowning, which can be delayed and potentially a life-threatening emergency.
TREATMENT FOR MINOR NEAR-DROWNING CASES
If submersion was brief, veterinarians typically monitor dogs for 6-8 hours to watch for delayed complications such as breathing difficulty or reduced oxygen levels.
Signs of concern include:
- Labored breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Blue or purple gums
TREATMENT FOR SEVERE NEAR-DROWNING CASES
If a dog is found in critical condition after a drowning or near-drowning incident, the prognosis is often poor and requires immediate emergency treatment. Veterinary teams may use life-saving interventions such as intubation (placing a breathing tube), oxygen supplementation, CPR, and medications to support breathing and circulation. These measures are typically initiated within minutes of arrival at the emergency clinic and are often performed before diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, can begin.
PREVENTION TIPS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF DROWNING
Whether your dog is allowed in the pool or just lounges poolside, nothing replaces constant supervision to ensure safety. In addition to supervision, you should:
- Teach your dog where pool exits are located
- Install pool alarms or pet water sensors
- Set up safety fencing around pools
- Use a properly fitted animal life jacket
- Enroll dogs in swim training when appropriate
- Keep the pool gate closed when not in use
- Never let your dog have access to water unattended
With preparation and awareness, many drowning incidents can be avoided.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although dogs are natural swimmers, they are still at risk around pools, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. The good news is that most drowning incidents are preventable with full supervision, preparation, and proper safety equipment. If you aren’t certain if a dog that you see entering any body of water is supervised or not, please take the time to make sure their owners are nearby watching over them intently, don’t just assume they are! It only takes a few seconds for them to succumb to the water.
When it comes to water safety, even small preventative measures can make the difference between a close call and a heartbreaking and devastating loss. This article is in memory of Comet, may he rest in peace knowing he was loved by all and may he watch over and protect those that swim in all waterways all over the planet.