What should be done if a rat drowns? - briefly
Immediately remove the animal from water, gently pat it dry, and keep it warm while checking for breathing; if it shows no signs of recovery, seek emergency veterinary assistance without delay.
What should be done if a rat drowns? - in detail
If a rodent has been submerged, immediate action is required to prevent permanent damage.
First, remove the animal from the water as quickly as possible, using gloved hands or a small scoop to avoid injury. Place it on a dry, warm surface such as a towel or a low‑heat heating pad set to a safe temperature.
Second, assess breathing. Look for chest movement or listen for air flow. If the rat is not breathing, gently clear the airway by positioning the head slightly downward and wiping any moisture from the nostrils and mouth.
Third, perform rescue breaths. Hold the animal’s torso with one hand, close its nostrils with a fingertip, and give a small puff of air into the lungs using a syringe without a needle (approximately 0.2 ml). Repeat once if no spontaneous breathing occurs.
Fourth, initiate chest compressions if there is no heartbeat. Place two fingers just behind the forelimbs and compress the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, pressing about one‑third of the chest depth. Alternate compressions with rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio.
Fifth, after signs of circulation return, keep the rat warm and monitor for at least 15 minutes. Provide a shallow dish of water for drinking only when the animal is fully alert.
Sixth, seek professional veterinary care promptly. Even if the animal appears recovered, internal injuries, hypoxia, or aspiration pneumonia may develop later.
Preventive measures include ensuring that cages, aquariums, or any containers with water are securely covered, and that rats are never left unattended near open water sources. Maintaining a dry environment and supervising any experiments involving liquids reduces the risk of accidental submersion.