PSA - WATER INTOXICATION IN DOGS - JUNE 1, 2024

PSA - WHAT IS WATER INTOXICATION IN DOGS.

What Is Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication goes by a variety of names, including water poisoning, hyperhydration, and water toxemia. No matter what you call it, this problem can come on suddenly, and the outcome can be fatal.

Here’s what happens when the body is overwhelmed with an excessive amount of water. First, sodium levels outside the cells are depleted, a condition called hyponatremia. In an effort to rebalance itself, the body responds to low blood sodium by increasing fluid intake inside the cells. Some organs, such as the liver, can accommodate the increased volume of their swelling cells, but others — in particular, the brain, which is encased in bone — cannot.

In humans, water intoxication usually results from drinking too much water after rigorous exercise or competing in water-drinking competitions. In dogs, excessive water intake often occurs when swimming, diving, or water-retrieving. Even play-biting the stream of water from a garden hose or sprinkler can overload a dog’s system and lead to water intoxication. Because their bodies have to work harder to clear out the excess water in their system, toy and small dogs are at greater risk than larger ones.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Dogs

Symptoms of water intoxication in dogs include:

Lethargy

Bloating

Vomiting

Loss of coordination (including stumbling, falling, or staggering)

Restlessness

Drooling

Pale gums

Dilated pupils

Glazed eyes

What Dogs Are at Risk for Water Intoxication?

Cross-training in swimming pools can help improve conditioning and endurance, but it may put dogs at risk for ingesting too much water, too fast. And high-energy, high-drive dogs may have lower fat reserves and higher pain thresholds, prompting them to push through discomfort even after they’ve taken on too much water.

Ironically, because certain breeds were developed to spend a lot of time in the water, they may be less likely to swallow water while swimming. This might be due to the fact that these dogs have been bred to move through the water, creating as little surface disturbance as possible, in order to best do their work.

Prevention Is Key

Because water intoxication can be irreversible in advanced cases, prevention is key. Take note of your dog’s swimming style. If your pet tends to splash and holds their head low in the water, with their mouth open — even slightly — they may be at greater risk for water intoxication.

We are posting this because we came very close to loosing one of our Border Collie to Water Intoxication, so please for the love of your dog, TAKE THIS WARNING.