This article does not apply to waterworks.

This does not occur during water work. It only happens to dogs that have to chase a ball or stick from their owner.



Water intoxication or water poisoning in dogs is dangerous and difficult to recognize.

Water intoxication or water poisoning often occurs in dogs that swim or play in the water for a long time. Dog owners sometimes rightly think that their dog can swim enough not to drown, and yes, that is true. However, your dog may drown a while later after coming out of the water. The reason is that your dog has suffered water intoxication or water poisoning.

The large amount of water that a dog drinks can cause the fluid in the body to no longer be in balance. This causes the brain and other organs to no longer function correctly.

A gruesome death

The theory behind this gruesome death is that the body cannot process the suddenly large amount of salts in the water. Potassium ensures that the cells can absorb moisture and sodium simultaneously ensures that the fluid is removed. This balance is of course very important. If these two are not in balance, they no longer work together as they should. The kidneys keep the amount of potassium in the body constant. Nearly 90% of the potassium in the body is excreted. The rest leaves the body through the feces.

As a result of too much water intake, the concentration of salts and other substances in the blood decreases. This increases the pressure in the body cells, leading to increased pressure in the skull. As a result, the brain starts to act crazy and the first symptoms occur such as headache, nausea, dizziness and disorientation. Due to the high pressure and swelling in the brain, this leads to disruption of blood flow, resulting in epileptic seizures, coma and death. Various organ problems can also arise in the rest of the body.

Water intoxication or water poisoning is difficult to recognize

The problem with water intoxication is that it is difficult to recognize this danger in time. Sometimes it is too late before the dog owner notices. Everyone knows that overheating in dogs is very dangerous, but the danger of water intoxication or water poisoning is often underestimated. In addition, prolonged physical exertion can also lead to the kidneys being able to process less fluid.

Prevention is even more difficult

If you go swimming with your dog, it is advisable not to lose sight of the dog. Dogs that enjoy playing in the water, dog sports involving water, or simply playing with the garden hose are also at risk. Even innocent games where dog owners throw a ball into the water and let the dog play fetch over and over again can become dangerous. Remember that a small amount of water enters each time during this game. When the weather is warm, the dog will drink more to cool down, which means that even more water will come in. The risks are often unknown, which means that it is often too late before the dog owner intervenes. BE CAREFUL with puppies and young dogs in their swimming pool!

Salt poisoning

Dogs playing in the sea can go under in rough waves and continue to ingest a quantity of seawater. A life jacket can help but is not a guarantee. Seawater in itself is rich in salt, which can also lead to salt poisoning.

If there is a suspicion, quick action is required

If you suspect water intoxication, it is best to intervene very quickly and certainly not to let time pass. Notify a veterinarian immediately because if you intervene quickly, your dog can often make a full recovery.

Symptoms of water poisoning

– nausea and vomiting,

– muscle cramps,

– reduced consciousness and sluggishness

– salivation

– removed pupils

– swollen abdomen

– cardiac arrhythmias,

– convulsions and coma.

If you notice these symptoms, contact your vet immediately and tell them that your dog may have ingested too much water. Also tell them that you suspect water intoxication. This way, the vet can make a correct diagnosis by looking at the salt content of the blood.

Citation source: The new dog.