Near drowning or submersion syndrome in dogs can occur when they ingest a certain amount of water while swimming or accidentally falling into a pool. The amount of water needed to cause near drowning varies depending on the weight of the dog. Generally, 1-3 milliliters of water per kilogram of the dog’s weight can lead to near drowning, while 4 milliliters per kilogram or more can result in immediate death by drowning.
It is important to note that the time it takes for a dog to drown in a pool can vary depending on several factors such as the dog’s size, physical condition, swimming ability, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. In some cases, a dog may drown quickly if they are unable to swim or if they panic and exhaust themselves. However, in other situations, it may take longer for the effects of near drowning to become apparent.
After a dog experiences near drowning, symptoms may not manifest immediately. It can take as long as 24 hours for signs of near drowning to become noticeable. These symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and changes in behavior. If you suspect your dog has ingested a significant amount of water or has been in a near drowning incident, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
To prevent such incidents from occurring, it is important to take precautions when dogs are around pools or bodies of water. This can include supervising them closely, ensuring they have proper swimming skills, using life jackets if necessary, and providing a safe and secure pool area to prevent accidental falls or access.
Personal experience: I once had a Labrador Retriever who loved swimming in our pool during the summer. We always made sure to supervise him closely and limit his time in the water to avoid exhaustion. However, one day he accidentally fell into the pool while we were briefly distracted. Thankfully, we were able to quickly rescue him, but it was a frightening experience. We immediately took him to the vet for a thorough examination, even though he seemed fine initially. The vet explained the potential risks of near drowning and advised us on how to monitor him for any delayed symptoms. Fortunately, he did not experience any long-term effects, but it served as a reminder of the importance of water safety for dogs.