Water intoxication in dogs – How much water is too much?

Water intoxication

When a dog ingests more water than its body can safely process, this can lead to a dangerous and often life-threatening form of water intoxication known as hyponatremia.

What is hyponatremia?

• Hyponatremia occurs when a dog swallows excessive amounts of water
• This excess water dilutes the body fluids, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes and a drop in sodium levels outside the cells.

A balanced sodium level is crucial to regulate blood pressure and ensure proper nerve and muscle function. When sodium levels drop, the body tries to restore the balance between cells.

This leads to an influx of water into the cells, which causes the cells to swell and particularly affects the brain and central nervous system.

Dogs at risk

In principle, any dog can suffer from water intoxication, regardless of size or breed. However, smaller dogs develop symptoms more quickly. Dogs are particularly at risk if they:

• Play in the water for longer.
• Often bite or splash around in the water.
• Accidentally swallowing water when playing fetch.
• Drinking excessive amounts of water during or after exercise.
• Likes to play with sprinklers or water hoses.

Prevention

Owners of water-loving dogs should follow these tips to protect their pet:

• Watch how your dog plays in the water. There is an increased risk if:
  • IYour dog has its mouth wide open.
  • He often holds objects in the water.
  • He dives to retrieve objects from the bottom.
• Supervise your dog’s activities in the water, especially on days when the water is choppy.
• Provide frequent breaks out of the water.

Even dogs that are not constantly in or around water can suffer from hyponatremia. Some dogs tend to empty their water bowls quickly and drink a lot of water after exercise.

Owners should therefore keep an eye on their pet’s water consumption and pay attention to it:

• Monitor water intake after strenuous play or training.
• Offer frequent, short water breaks during exercise or play.

Symptoms of water intoxication

Water intoxication can develop quickly and can be life-threatening. If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary advice immediately, especially after playing in water:

• Loss of coordination
• Staggering
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Glassy eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive salivation
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment of hyponatremia

Veterinary treatment is aimed at restoring the body’s electrolyte balance. This includes:

• Intravenous administration of electrolytes
• Diuretics
• Medication

Unfortunately, many dogs do not survive hyponatremia despite intensive veterinary care. Although this condition is relatively rare, pet owners should be aware that certain play activities can increase the risk of water intoxication.

By monitoring play behavior and controlling water intake, water intoxication can be avoided.