Could Water Actually Be Harming Your Dog?

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• It doesn’t happen often, but dogs — especially those who love being in water or playing with sprinklers or hoses — can develop water intoxication, which is a potentially fatal condition
• Water intoxication causes hyponatremia, a condition in which sodium levels drops to dangerously low levels; hyponatremia is a medical emergency, and even with aggressive veterinary care, many dogs don’t survive, so it’s important to take commonsense steps to avoid tragedy
• Signs of hyponatremia include lethargy, disorientation, and vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Hypernatremia, or saltwater poisoning, is another potentially fatal condition that can develop in canine companions who spend time at the beach consuming too much saltwater
• Symptoms of saltwater poisoning include increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, disorientation, tremors, and seizures; if you suspect your dog has consumed too much saltwater, seek emergency veterinary care immediately