- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s important to keep your pup hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. But consuming too much water too quickly can lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance called hyponatremia—also known as water intoxication in dogs.
Water intoxication is known by several names, including water toxicity, water poisoning, and hyperhydration. It’s a condition in which excessive water consumption dilutes key electrolytes in the bloodstream, leading to potentially fatal damage to the heart and brain. In dogs, water toxicity is usually caused by rapid or accidental ingestion of water rather than normal drinking habits.
According to Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian in the Emergency & Critical Care Service at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, exactly how much water causes intoxication in dogs depends on multiple factors. “In general, there is a risk of intoxication if a dog ingests more than 15% of their body weight in water over a short period of time,” she explains.
Even mild water intoxication can be serious in dogs, so it’s crucial to seek emergency veterinary care if you suspect your pup is showing signs. We’ll review what those signs are, what circumstances commonly lead to water intoxication, and how to protect your pup.
Signs of Water Intoxication in Dogs
Water intoxication is a rare but serious condition characterized by excessive water intake over a short period of time. What makes it so dangerous, says Dr. Fox, is how it affects your dog’s electrolyte levels. The excess water dilutes electrolytes in the bloodstream—especially sodium. This causes the body to draw more water into the cells in an attempt to rebalance sodium levels. The cells swell as a result, causing damage to organs that aren’t equipped to handle extra fluid volume, like the heart and brain.
Common symptoms of water intoxication in dogs include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Abdominal bloating
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Left untreated, water intoxication in dogs can become fatal. Fortunately, Dr. Fox says this condition is highly treatable by emergency veterinary clinics when identified early.
Treating Water Intoxication in Dogs
“If you suspect water intoxication,” Dr. Fox says, “take your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency room for a blood test to measure their sodium levels.” Call ahead to ensure prompt treatment upon arrival and get to the clinic as quickly as safely possible.
On your way to the emergency vet, keep a careful eye on your dog’s symptoms and take note of any changes to their pulse or breathing. Don’t attempt to force your dog to vomit or urinate and avoid giving them any medication or more water.
Treatment for dog water intoxication varies depending on the severity of the condition and how quickly the hyponatremia developed. In rapid cases, Dr. Fox says a hypertonic solution given intravenously may help restore normal sodium levels quickly. Cases of chronic hyponatremia may require a full diagnostic workup and a more gradual course of treatment.
Some dogs recovering from water intoxication may need more than IV fluids. Anticonvulsants can help control seizures, while diuretics may aid in the elimination of excess fluid. Dogs with evidence of brain swelling may be given mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, to relieve pressure.
With prompt veterinary care, many dogs with water intoxication recover fully. Dogs with mild symptoms may show improvement within hours, while others may require hospitalization and ongoing treatment. In severe cases, the damage caused by water intoxication can be irreversible or even fatal.
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Risks of Water Intoxication
Due to the potentially fatal consequences of water intoxication, it’s essential for pet parents to understand their dog’s individual risks. “Water toxicity typically happens accidentally when a pet consumes too much water when playing or exercising,” says Dr. Fox.
Here are some of the situations in which a dog might be at risk for developing water intoxication:
- Water retrieving
- Swimming
- Water sports (like dock diving)
- Playing with the hose or sprinkler
- Overconsumption after intense play or exercise
- Excessive IV fluid administration
Water intoxication can happen to virtually any dog, but certain factors can increase your pup’s individual risk. For example, breeds that weren’t developed for swimming or water retrieving may be more likely to swallow water than working dogs bred to navigate water. Even dogs that typically do well in water can overexert themselves in performance or play, increasing their risk of swallowing too much water.
Toy breeds and dogs with lean body types may have a higher risk for water intoxication, as they don’t have as many fat cells to store excess fluid. And some dogs simply have a high thirst drive and will keep drinking water past the point of healthy hydration.
How To Prevent Water Intoxication
While rare, water intoxication in dogs is a serious concern, so prevention is key. Dr. Fox recommends supervising your dog carefully during water play and seeking veterinary attention at the first sign of an issue.
Take breaks when swimming
If your dog is playing in the water, make sure they take breaks on land every 10 to 15 minutes—overexertion can increase your dog’s risk of swallowing water. It’s also important to give your dog regular chances to relieve themselves to remove excess fluid.
Choose water toys carefully
Avoid very large or round toys for water play. If the toy is too big for your dog’s mouth to close around it, they could end up swallowing water as they swim with it. Opt for flat toys instead, like frisbees or water-safe plush dog toys.
Use a dog life jacket or floaties
Even if your dog is a talented swimmer, their swimming style could put them at risk for swallowing water. If they’re not able to hold their head up out of the water, consider putting them in a life jacket or some dog floaties.
Don’t let your dog drink from the hose
Some dogs love to run in the sprinkler or drink from the hose. If you’re not careful, however, they could end up consuming too much water as they play. Gentle play may be appropriate, but don’t let your dog bite at or drink from a high-pressure hose stream.
Monitor your dog’s drinking habits
Dogs generally don’t develop water intoxication from normal daily consumption, but it’s worth monitoring your dog’s intake just to be safe. If your pup suddenly starts drinking more water than usual or exhibits signs of even mild water intoxication, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
