Dry drowning” and “Secondary drowning” are colloquial terms for acute lung injuries due to underwater accidents. In such cases, puppies accidentally suck in water through the mouth and nose, leading to spasms and shutting of vocal cords preventing air from entering the lungs.
Even if the water doesn’t enter the lungs, it can cause airflow obstruction, making it increasingly difficult for fur babies to breathe. Dry drowning can also refer to cases where puppies swallow sand that might require life saving surgery.
As a responsible puppy owner, consider being prepared with cheap dog insurance early on in your pet’s life, so it stays covered for unfortunate health events and emergencies. Pet insurance cost can be much lower than fat vet bills you may have to pay during non-routine vet visits, so contemplate purchasing a policy.
In the meantime, read this article to learn the many dangers of dry drowning for your pet pooch.
Risks of dry drowning
You may want to take your poochie to the beach for some fun and frolic, but know that your furry little one is exposed to plenty of risks during a beach day out and more in summer.
One of the top pet health issues related to extreme temperatures is heatstroke. While exposure to the sun for more extended periods can cause sunburns and fatal diseases like skin cancer in the long term, dry drowning is another lethal hazard of roaming by the beachside and playing in the ocean’s waters.
Swimming in the waters can cool off your furry baby’s body, but ensure you keep a watchful eye on it. Although your four-legged friend is a master swimmer, know that dry drowning can quickly lead to a health disaster.
Exhaustion and being swept away by strong tides or currents can make your little pupper inhale water. This can be conveniently called a near-drowning episode and put your canine pet at fatal health risk.
If you are wondering what a little salt water could do to your pet, note that aspirating water can lead to mortality. When a puppy inhales water through the nose, it can enter the lungs and cause pulmonary edema.
In this medical condition, the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs get filled with fluid instead of air and trigger a cardiac arrest in the worst case. To make things more complicated, it can take hours or many days after inhalation before any signs show up.
One way to avoid such an issue is by getting your pet to put on a life jacket before entering the waters. This way, you can ensure the head stays above water, and your little poochie is less prone to exertion. Just in case it happens, watch out for signs like breathing difficulty, bluish gums, and a crackling sound from the chest after a dry drowning episode.
Stay alert so you can get medical assistance much sooner once you identify the dry drowning symptoms. Guard your fur baby at all times during beach outings. Don’t let your pupper get into the water unsupervised.
Consider being equipped with cheap dog insurance in the least, so getting medical help need not be financially burdening. Pet insurance cost can be more bearable than surprising vet bills during distressing health scenarios, which is one good reason you should contemplate purchasing a policy.
