Whether it’s a beach day adventure, a peaceful afternoon by the pool, or a quiet morning by the lake, water activities can be a refreshing way for you and your pets to beat the heat. But these trips can also end in tragedy if proper safety measures aren’t in place.

Now that summer is almost in full swing, take a moment to read up on these water safety tips. We also dive into what dry drowning looks like and how AVSG Internal Medicine & Urgent Care can help if your pet is struggling after a day in the water.

Water Safety 101

Always supervise pets while they are spending time near open bodies of water. Pools, lakes, oceans, rivers, and ponds pose a risk of drowning, especially if your animal is not a strong swimmer. Here are some ways to keep your pet safe while exploring water play:

• Always monitor your pet around the water and never let them swim unattended.
• Offer your pet frequent breaks outside of the water to hydrate and rest.
• Invest in a pet lifejacket or water safety vest.
  • Ensure it’s a bright color like orange or neon yellow as blue tends to blend in.
• If your pet is nervous around the water, don’t force them to swim.
• If your pet likes the water, but is an inexperienced or weak swimmer, take them to an environment where the water isn’t rough, and take frequent breaks so they can rest.
• Show your dog how to exit the water safely so they know where to get out if they need a break.

Dry Drowning 

Dry drowning, also known as secondary drowning or near-drowning, occurs when water is inhaled, causing the vocal cords to spasm. When this happens, swelling in the airway occurs and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Though your pet may look like they are doing okay after a near-drowning experience, it’s best to get them checked by a veterinarian to make sure they are truly okay.

Dry drowning symptoms to look for include:

• Blue gums
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

Urgent Care Services

If your dog falls into water and is submerged for any period of time, this is a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately. Carefully transport them to the nearest emergency animal hospital for treatment.

If you’re here in Orange County, California, AVSG’s urgent care services provide an emergency room alternative when your primary care veterinarian is unavailable. Offering same-day treatment of illnesses and injuries, our veterinarians and clinical team’s training, expertise, and compassion have earned the trust of our pet community.

While no appointment is necessary for urgent care, we ask that you call us at 949-653-9300 before you come over so we can prepare for your visit. We’re located at 2965 Edinger Avenue (x Jamboree) in Tustin, next to the Metrolink station. Look for the purple sign.