July 04, 2022 5 min read

Dogs can drown, but it is preventable. Take the necessary precautions and always supervise your dog while they are swimming.

How Often Do Dogs Drown?

How often do dogs drown? Unfortunately, dogs drown more often than we would like. In the U.S., an estimated 5,000 dogs drown each year. There are a number of reasons why a dog may drown. One is that they may not be able to swim well. Another is that they may get caught in currents and pulled underwater. Dogs can also drown if they fall through ice or become stuck in water that is too deep for them to get out of. There are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from drowning. Make sure they are always supervised when they are around water.

The Risks of Swimming in a Pool or in the Open Water

Dogs are natural swimmers but that does not mean they can't drown. Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death in dogs, with almost 10% of all dogs drowning each year. The risk is highest for puppies and young dogs, but any dog can drown if they are not careful.

dog drowning

There are many dangers that come with swimming, such as exhaustion, hypothermia, and getting caught in currents. It is important to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to prevent them. For example, always keep an eye on your dog while they are swimming and do not let them swim too far from shore.

How to Safely Take Your Dog Swimming

Dogs are notorious for their love of water. From splashing in puddles to chasing waves at the beach, many hounds can’t resist the lure of a good swim. However, as much as your dog may enjoy a dip in the pool, it’s important to take some safety precautions to ensure that their fun doesn’t turn into a tragedy.

According to the American Kennel Club, an estimated 500 dogs drown in swimming pools each year. While that may seem like a small number, it’s important to remember that these drownings are preventable.

Most Dogs that Drown Are Young, Male, and Unsupervised

It's sad to think about, but every year, thousands of dogs drown. Most of these dogs are young, male, and unsupervised. This is why it's so important to always keep an eye on your furry friend, especially if they're prone to running off or getting into trouble. Here are some other helpful tips to prevent your pet from drowning. Keep your dog on a leash when near bodies of water. Make sure your dog is always supervised when near bodies of water. Avoid taking your dog to bodies of water during peak hours when there is more foot traffic. Be cautious of currents and undertows when swimming with your dog. Make sure your pet knows how to swim before taking them swimming.

The Main Reasons for Pet Drowning

There are a number of reasons that dogs may drown, but the most common ones are listed below.

  • Lack of swimming ability. Some dogs simply don't know how to swim and will therefore drown if they enter water that is too deep for them. This is often the case with smaller breeds of dogs.
  • Panic. If a pet becomes panicked when it enters the water, it may start to thrash around and eventually drown.
  • Fatigue. If a dog swims for too long, it can become exhausting and may then drown.
  • Injury. If a dog is injured while swimming, it may be unable to make it back to shore and may drown as a result.
  • Dogs get pulled under by waves. There are several reasons that dogs drown, but the main one is that they get pulled under by waves.
  • Dogs are attracted to the water and often go in without thinking about the dangers. Once they're in, they can get pulled under by a strong current and drown.

This is why it's so important to keep an eye on your dog when they're near water and to make sure they're always supervised.

Final Thoughts

According to the data, it is clear that dogs drown very frequently. However, the good news is that there are some things that you can do to help prevent your dog from drowning. Make sure that you never leave your pet unattended near water, even for a moment. It could be dangerous for your pet's life and health.

If you are swimming with your dog, make sure that you are always supervising them. If you are looking for a safe place to take your pet swimming, consider a doggy life vest. With a little bit of caution, you can help keep your pet safe from drowning.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can a dog drown after swimming?

Yes, a dog drowning is a possible scenario after swimming if the dog is not able to get out of the water and onto dry land. Dogs that are not trained to swim can easily tire out and sink, leading to drowning if not rescued in time. Even dogs that are good swimmers can drown if they get caught in a strong current or undertow. Best would be to buy a dog floatie, so your dog will be safe with you in water. 

How can you tell if a dog is drowning?

The easiest way to tell if a dog is drowning is to look for certain physical signs. If a dog is struggling to keep its head above water, its tongue may be hanging out of its mouth, and its eyes may be wide open and staring. Other signs that a dog is in distress are rapid breathing, pawing at the water, and whirling around in circles

dog drowing

. If you see any of these signs, it is important to get the dog out of the water immediately and begin CPR if necessary.

Does anything happen to a dog in deep water?

Dogs are capable of swimming in deep water, but they may tire quickly and may require assistance. Some dogs may be afraid of deep water and may avoid it.

Is it common for dogs to drown?

No, it is not common for dogs to drown. While all dogs are susceptible to drowning, most dogs are able to instinctively swim and keep their heads above water and most dogs can easily float.

However, there are some breeds of dogs, such as Newfoundland, that are more prone to drowning because they have heavier bodies and are not as strong swimmers.

Author - Nurlana Alasgarli
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli          

Content Specialist

Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and water sports. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.


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