Near Drowing
Suffocation by drowning is caused by the filling of the lungs with water or other fluid. What to Do
** Remove the pet from the water.
** Place him on his side with his head and neck extended. It's preferable to have the head slightly lower than the body.
** Pull the tongue forward and expel any water from the lungs and stomach by gently pushing on the chest wall and stomach.
** Begin CPR as required.
** Cover the pet to avoid further heat loss.
** Seek veterinary help as soon as possible. What NOT to Do
** Do not fail to seek veterinary help just because your resuscitation is successful and
your pet seems to be recovering. Numerous secondary complications (i.e., electrolyte imbalance, pneumonia, secondary drowning) can occur.
** Do not leave the pet unattended as he may be confused and wander back to the water.
Almost all cats and dogs instinctively know how to swim. Unfortunately, they also instinctively swim to the nearest edge of a pool to get out. This is usually not the right decision. Most animals are unable to get out of a swimming pool at the edge. They must swim to a step. If your pet has access to a swimming pool, you must teach him where the steps are. If you do not and he falls in, he will swim to the nearest edge and attempt to get out until he either accidentally arrives at a step, or tires and drowns.
If your pet has access to a swimming pool, you must teach him where the steps are located