Drowning
is aspiration
of fluid into lungs or dry drowning is suffocation being unable to breath.
How to save a drowning dog
Get
the dog out of the water. Remember like humans, dogs panic and
will try to climb on you to get out of the water. Remain calm your calmness can
save two lives. How you get the dog out
of the water will depend on what you have around you to help. If you have a
life preserver throw it to the dog to climb on or any floating device. You may
have to somehow hook a pole through his collar and drag him to shore.
If the dog is unconscious it will be easier for you to
remove the dog from the water but time will be crucial. Once the dog is out of the water, hold the
dog upside down. Hang on to the rear feet, down head down using gravity to help
to drain lungs for a good number of seconds. In a controlled manner If possible
shake the dog a few times this may assist more fluid to drain from his lungs.
If your dog is too heavy to lift lay with head lower then body to aid with
drainage. Next check to see if the dog is breathing! If the animal is unconscious you must first
ensure an open airway. This can be done by simply returning the head/neck to
its anatomical position and observing for any chest movement or feeling for any
air escaping the mouth/nose. An animal
that requires artificial resuscitation should be ventilated through the nose
with the mouth closed at a rate close 12 to 20 breaths/minute or one breathe
every three to five seconds. Check pulse! The pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times your dog’s heart beats
in a minute. Generally a dogs’ pulse rate is about 60 to 180 beats per minute.
Puppies and smaller dogs’ heart rates are faster than larger dogs. Count how
many beats in 15 seconds then multiply by 4. This will give you how many beats
in a minute
Another method is to feel the inside of the thigh where the body and the
leg meet.
This is where the Femoral artery is located. You
should be able to locate a pulse
in either spot.
(FEEL UNDER YOUR DOGS LEFT ARMPIT
ABOVE THE ELBOW FOR THE HEART)
Another method is to feel the inside of the thigh where the body and the
leg meet.
This is where the Femoral artery is located. You
should be able to locate a pulse
in either spot.
Continue artificial respiration unless
you feel resistance or the dog’s breathing on its own.
If the dog’s heart is not beating
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Place the dog on her
right side down and perform CPR if she has no pulse. The depth of compressions
is in three categories: For large dogs it is 1 ½ to 2 inches. For medium dogs it is 1 to 1 ½ inches. For small dogs it is ½ to 1 inch. For large dogs extend your arms fully and
place one hand over the other interlocking your fingers. For one man CPR give
fifteen compressions for every two rescue breaths given. For two man CPR give five compressions to one
ventilation. Every minute stop to
check for a pulse. Continue CPR until pulse returns. For medium dogs you would use the heel of one
hand to do compressions. For small dogs
you would use one hand and squeeze the chest between your thumb and fingers.
Any dog that requires artificial respiration will vomit, so prepare for this
eventuality. Get the dog to the vet for
care.
Shock treatment
for shock keeping the dog calm, use a soft soothing voice and soft touch, keep
talking letting the dog know you aren’t stressed, this will help relax your
dog. Keep your dog warm wrap in blankets. Take your dog’s temperature treat
accordingly. Monitor your dog’s vitals.
Remember to keep your dog safe when around water Life jackets are one way, monitoring how long your dog has been in the water and how tired they maybe can save a life!
Stay safe and enjoy your summer!
