When Your Dog Drinks Too Much Water, This Is What Could Happen

Staying hydrated is one of the best things your pup can do, however, consuming too much water can potentially be dangerous. While rare, water intoxication can occur when your dog takes in too much H2O. Unlike in humans, who typically experience water intoxication from over hydration, canines tend to contract it from accidentally drinking large sums of water when swimming and playing.

Water intoxication occurs when electrolytes in a dog's body are affected by a large intake of water. The sodium levels in their blood plummet while the sodium level in their cells stay the same, which causes the latter to swell. When the cells swell, it can put pressure on a dog's skull and thus their brain as well, which is what causes the dangerous effects of water intoxication.

Water intoxication can happen no matter the source or activity. Even playing with a sprinkler or hose may cause them to over consume this essential compound. If you have a smaller dog who enjoys romping around in the water, be especially cautious, as their little bodies make them more prone to water intoxication.

Symptoms of water intoxication can vary depending on how far it has progressed for your canine. Some signs in dogs include enlarged pupils, lethargy, bloating, vomiting, drooling, pale gums, loss of coordination, and glazed eyes, per the American Kennel Club. As water intoxication ramps up, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as seizures, hypothermia, and breathing problems, as well as the potential to fall into a coma.

"If you suspect that your dog is suffering from water intoxication get them to a vet urgently as they will need emergency treatment," veterinary nurse Rachel Bean advised Dogs Today. "Water is vital for life, but it can also be a killer." As suggested by Bean, water intoxication can progress quickly and be fatal, so securing help for your pup as soon as possible is crucial. It's better to be safe than sorry if you think there's a chance they could have taken in too much water.

If your dog likes to swim, it can be hard to get them out of the water. However, it's important that they take breaks to prevent them from taking in too much aqua. Pups with certain traits may be at additional risk. For example, those who enjoy going underwater or sticking their heads in could be more likely to overconsume, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't show signs of intoxication. "It can be any breed of dog, but it's usually the driven dog who wants to jump in a lake for a toy, or the obsessive-compulsive dog who just bites water over and over again," veterinarian Janet Dunn shared with Whole Dog Journal.

Other steps you can take to prevent water intoxication include having your dog wear a life jacket to keep them above the surface. If your pooch likes to play with toys in the water, go for flat options that float so your pup can easily grasp them without needing to open their mouth as wide. Overall, it's best to always keep an eye on your dog when they're in the water and monitor them when they come out.