What is Dry Drowning?
Dry drowning refers to respiratory distress that occurs after water aspiration, when water enters the lungs. It differs from secondary drowning in that with dry drowning, water never actually reaches the lungs. Instead, breathing in water causes the vocal cords to spasm and close up, which shuts off air flow (Source).
With dry drowning, the water triggers a sudden laryngospasm, or spasms of the vocal cords that closes the airway. This prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and can lead to unconsciousness or brain damage within minutes if left untreated. Dry drowning can occur immediately after water aspiration or up to 24 hours later (Source).
The term applies to both humans and animals. In dogs, dry drowning refers to respiratory impairment occurring after a dog inhales water or vomit into their airways. Just like in humans, this can cause the larynx to spasm and cut off the air supply to the lungs.
How Dry Drowning Occurs
Dry drowning, also known as secondary drowning, occurs when water is inhaled into the airway. This causes the vocal cords to spasm and close up in response, blocking airflow to the lungs. Even though water never actually reaches the lungs, the spasm and lack of oxygen can lead to injuries and complications (Cedars-Sinai, 2019).
When water is inhaled into the airway, it irritates the sensitive tissues and triggers a strong reflexive response. The vocal cords tightly constrict to try and block any further water from entering. This laryngospasm prevents any air from reaching the lungs, including the oxygen needed for breathing and respiration. The blockage of airflow leads to hypoxia, a dangerous lack of oxygen in the body and lungs (Mana.MD, 2022).
Even after the water is coughed up and cleared from the airway, the vocal cords can remain in spasm for some time. This persistant laryngospasm continues to deprive the lungs of air, resulting in ongoing hypoxia and lung injury. Fluid can also leak into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. Together, these effects of dry drowning produce the life-threatening complications (WebMD, 2022).
Risk Factors for Dry Drowning
There are several risk factors that can increase the chances of dry drowning occurring, including:
Young age: Children under the age of 5, especially 1-2 years old, are at the highest risk for dry drowning. Their small airways and lack of control over breathing reflexes make them more likely to experience laryngospasm.
Swimming: Engaging in swimming or water play exposes children to potential aspiration of water that can trigger dry drowning. Supervised swimming lessons can reduce this risk.
Medical conditions: Children with medical conditions like seizure disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at increased risk of dry drowning. These conditions can cause breathing issues or make water more likely to be inhaled (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/is-dry-drowning-a-real-danger-to-your-children/).
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Drowning
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry drowning include:
- Coughing – One of the hallmark signs of dry drowning is persistent coughing or wheezing after submersion in water. This is caused by laryngospasm closing up the airway during drowning, allowing water to enter the lungs.
- Difficulty breathing – Shortness of breath or labored breathing can occur due to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs after dry drowning. Breathing may also be fast and shallow.
- Lethargy – Victims of dry drowning often experience extreme fatigue and lethargy. This is due to hypoxemia from impaired oxygen exchange in the lungs.
One of the unique aspects of dry drowning is that symptoms can sometimes be delayed by up to 24 hours after the water incident. This is why it’s so important to monitor children carefully after any submersion event. Dry drowning leads to secondary drowning if pulmonary edema sets in and fluids build up in the lungs. Immediate medical attention is vital if any signs of breathing difficulty, coughing, or exhaustion present after water exposure. Often the onset of symptoms happens when the victim is asleep, so careful overnight monitoring is crucial. (Cleveland Clinic)
Is Dry Drowning Possible in Dogs?
Dry drowning is absolutely possible in dogs, despite some anatomical and physiological differences compared to humans. The mechanism that causes dry drowning is essentially the same in dogs as it is in people. Here’s a breakdown of how dry drowning occurs in dogs:
When a dog’s airway goes under water, even briefly, a small amount of water can enter the lungs. This causes a spasm in the airways and fluid buildup in the lungs. The dog is then unable to breathe normally. After getting out of the water, the dog may seem totally fine at first. But over the next several hours, fluid continues building up in the lungs, preventing oxygen from getting into the bloodstream. Eventually, this lack of oxygen can lead to collapse, coma, brain damage, and even death. The hallmark of dry drowning is that symptoms are delayed, sometimes up to 24 hours after initial submersion.
An important difference between humans and dogs is that dogs can’t hold their breath voluntarily. So when a dog’s head goes under water, their instinct is to gasp, potentially inhaling water into their airway and lungs. Dogs also lack some reflexes humans have to protect their airway, like voluntarily closing the epiglottis. So it’s actually easier for water to penetrate a dog’s respiratory system.
In summary, the anatomy and physiology of dogs definitely allows for dry drowning to occur after inhaling water. Dog owners need to be vigilant about water safety and watch for any signs of breathing trouble, even hours after their dog gets out of the water.
Case Studies of Dry Drowning in Dogs
There are a few documented cases of dry drowning in veterinary literature, though they appear to be quite rare. One case study published in the journal Veterinary Forensic Pathology looked at 25 dogs and 3 cats that were resuscitated after nearly drowning in fresh water. The study found that most of the animals survived if given prompt veterinary treatment (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0300985815625757).
Another study published in Veterinary Practice looked specifically at canine drowning incidents. It found that freshwater drowning can sometimes lead to delayed pulmonary edema up to 72 hours later, which would qualify as dry drowning. However, the study emphasized that this appears to be quite uncommon in dogs (http://assets.prod.vetlearn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/mmah/20/36c72527524f05be65ba11beee8329/filePV_30_06_340.pdf).
Overall, there are very few documented veterinary cases clearly identifying dry drowning in dogs. While it remains a possibility, especially after a near-drowning incident, most sources emphasize it is extremely rare compared to humans. More research is still needed on the prevalence and treatment of dry drowning in veterinary medicine.
Preventing Dry Drowning in Dogs
There are several steps pet owners can take to help prevent dry drowning in dogs:
Safety Around Water: Always supervise your dog when they are swimming or playing in water. Use a leash if needed to keep control. Don’t allow unsupervised access to pools, ponds, lakes, etc. Teach dogs how to exit pools and ramps/stairs if possible. Install fences around backyard pools.
Avoid Overexertion: Don’t allow dogs to swim to the point of exhaustion. Watch for signs of fatigue like lagging or struggling. Help dogs exit water before they get overtired. Take frequent breaks during water play or swimming sessions.
Monitor Medical Conditions: Dogs with respiratory conditions like laryngeal paralysis have increased drowning risk. Carefully monitor water activities for high-risk dogs. Some medications like sedatives also increase risk. Consult your veterinarian if concerned. (Source)
With proper supervision and awareness of risk factors, pet owners can help prevent dry drowning incidents.
Signs of Dry Drowning in Dogs
One of the main issues with dry drowning in dogs is that the signs and symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days after the initial exposure to water. This makes it crucial to monitor dogs closely following any water-related incident, even if they seem initially fine.
Some of the most common signs of dry drowning to look for in dogs include:
- Difficulty breathing – Labored breathing, wheezing, or gasping for air
- Coughing – Persistent coughing spells
- Lethargy – Extreme tiredness or lack of energy
- Collapse – Sudden falling down or loss of consciousness
These signs tend to result from the delayed inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs caused by water inhalation. Even small amounts of water entering the lungs can trigger a dangerous inflammatory response over time (source: https://www.smallanimalclinic.com/services/dogs/blog/honor-national-swimming-pool-day-how-prevent-dry-drowning-pets).
So if a dog inhales or aspirates any water, they should be monitored closely for up to 48 hours for any emerging signs of respiratory distress like coughing, trouble breathing, or excessive lethargy. Delayed onset of these symptoms could indicate dry drowning and requires urgent veterinary treatment.
Treating Suspected Dry Drowning in Dogs
If you suspect your dog is experiencing dry drowning after a recent water exposure, immediate emergency veterinary care is crucial. The main priorities in treating suspected dry drowning are providing oxygen support and closely monitoring breathing.
Your vet will likely administer oxygen right away through an oxygen mask or ventilator if your dog is struggling to breathe on his own. Supplying high levels of oxygen can help reverse the effects of oxygen deprivation and reduce secondary damage. Your vet may continue oxygen therapy for several hours or days depending on your dog’s condition.
Your vet will also carefully monitor your dog’s breathing patterns and effort. Labored, rapid breathing or worsening respiratory distress are concerning signs. Your vet may take x-rays to check for fluid in the lungs. Bloodwork helps assess oxygen levels and organ function.
Your dog may need to be hospitalized in an intensive care unit for breathing support, cardiovascular monitoring, and treatment of any complications like pneumonia. With aggressive supportive care, dogs can recover fully from dry drowning if treated promptly. Follow any home care instructions upon discharge.
Sources: https://www.ccpet.com/services/blog/how-avoid-losing-your-pet-secondary-drowning, https://kencarylpetspa.com/blogs/news/dry-drowning-could-it-happen-to-your-dog
Long Term Effects of Dry Drowning
Dry drowning can lead to severe long term effects if not recognized and treated promptly. Some of the most serious long term effects include:
Lung scarring – When water enters the lungs, it can cause damage and inflammation. This inflammation can lead to scarring of the lung tissue, which reduces lung function over time. Scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to absorb oxygen.
Brain damage from oxygen deprivation – When breathing is disrupted, the brain is deprived of oxygen. Lack of oxygen for even a few minutes can lead to permanent brain damage. Dry drowning victims may suffer impaired cognitive function, memory loss, and other neurological deficits.
Death – The most serious outcome of dry drowning is death. If prompt emergency treatment is not received, dry drowning can be fatal within minutes to hours after initial submersion or choking on water. Death occurs from respiratory failure or lack of oxygen to the brain.1
The long term effects of dry drowning highlight the importance of prevention and immediately seeking medical care if dry drowning is suspected. Rapid treatment can help mitigate any lasting damage.