{"id":1556,"date":"2022-05-17T13:53:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T17:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=1556"},"modified":"2022-05-17T13:53:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-17T17:53:00","slug":"recognizing-and-preventing-water-intoxication-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/recognizing-and-preventing-water-intoxication-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognizing and Preventing Water Intoxication in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Summer is almost here, and your dog is probably just as eager as you are to get back to Mother Nature, especially if he\u2019s a water-loving<\/a> dog who enjoys weekend getaways at one of Michigan\u2019s beautiful lakes! Playing in the water is certainly fun and a great form of exercise<\/a> for your faithful companion, but there is one rare (and often fatal) phenomenon that our caring team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates<\/a> wants all pet parents to be aware of: water intoxication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can a Dog Drink Too Much Water? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s unusual, but the answer is yes. Also known as hyponatremia, water intoxication in dogs occurs when the animal ingests a lot of water in a short period of time, often while playing catch in water or swimming<\/a>. This can dilute important electrolytes in the bloodstream, particularly sodium, which regulates the amount of water in and around the body\u2019s cells. When sodium is in short supply, the cells will swell. This swelling can lead to brain damage, heart failure, and sadly, death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs do tend to be at a greater risk of water intoxication, including smaller dogs who naturally have a reduced capacity for water, dogs with very little body fat, and high-energy breeds who can play for long periods of time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Water intoxication is considered a veterinary emergency<\/a>. Please contact us immediately<\/a> (or go to the nearest emergency clinic) if you spot any of these symptoms after your dog has been in the water:<\/p>\n\n\n\n