Dogs love swimming, splashing in water, and dipping their paws in lakes, especially on hot summer days. However, this seemingly fun activity can quickly turn dangerous if your dog drinks too much water in a short span of time.

This can lead to water intoxication in dogs where the sodium levels in the bloodstream go abnormally low, a condition known as hyponatremia. Dog water intoxication is a rare but a potentially fatal condition. Therefore, dog owners should know about its signs, treatment and ways to prevent it.

What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Water intoxication in dogs, also knowns as water toxemia or hyperhydration, occur when the dog gulps down too much water too quickly. The large amount of water dilute the sodium levels in the blood significantly, causing the cells to draw more water in an attempt to rebalance the electrolytes. This causes the cells to swell, disrupting the normal cellular functions.

Organs like liver and kidney can stabilize the imbalance on their own but brain cannot. And when the brain cells swell, it can lead to serious damage to the dog including seizures, coma, and death. Dog water intoxication is a medical emergency and if you suspect your dog is experiencing the water intoxication symptoms, take them to the vet without delay.

Exactly how much water causes water intoxication in dogs can vary, but here’s a simple way to understand it. As a rough guide, if your dog drinks more than 100 milliliters of water for every kilogram of their body weight in a day, it could be too much.

For example: A 10 kg dog shouldn’t drink more than about 1,000 milliliters (1 liter) of water in a day. Also, veterinarians warn that if a dog drinks too much water too quickly, specifically, more than 15% of its body weight, it can lead to water intoxication

So it’s important to monitor how much your dog drinks, especially during play in water or after exercise.

Signs of Dog Water Intoxication

If you notice any of these signs of water intoxication in your dog, take them to the vet right away:

• Vomitting
• Weakness
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pooping, specifically diarrhea
• Loss of coordination ( including staggering, or falling)
• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Restlessness
• Peeing large volumes of clear urine
• Pale gums
• Glazed eyes
• Seizures

If treated promptly, water intoxication in dogs is highly curable. But, in severe cases, the brain cells swell and start to die off, resulting in your dog face difficulty in breathing, develop seizures, or fall into coma.

Treatment of Water Intoxication in Dogs

Water intoxication is a veterinary emergency and must be treated immediately. The vet will run lab tests to check your dog’s electrolyte levels. The course of treatment depends on how severe the condition is, how quickly it developed, and how much water your dog has consumed.

Your vet might give diuretics to remove excess water or administer fluids through an IV to gradually restore the electrolyte balance in your dog’s body. In some cases, anticonvulsants may be needed to control seizures.

Smaller dogs are often at higher risk, as it takes less water to overwhelm their system. Because of this, the chances of recovery depend not only on how much water the dog has consumed but also on their size.

In mild cases, dogs often show improvement within a few hours, but unfortunately, in severe cases involving brain swelling, water intoxication can be fatal. Whatever the situation, never try to make your dog vomit, force urination, or give medication without veterinary advice.

When is Your Dog at Risk for Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication can affect any dog, but some are more at risk than others. So, pet parents, especially new pet parents should know about their dog’s individual risks. The problem usually happens when a dog drinks too much water too quickly, often during activities like swimming, water retrieving, playing with sprinklers or hoses, or gulping water after intense exercise. Sometimes medical treatments, like excessive IV fluids, can sometimes contribute. Also, cross-training in swimming pools is good exercise but may put your dog at risk if they swallow too much water too fast.

Small dogs and those with lean bodies are more vulnerable because it takes less water to overwhelm their systems. High-energy dogs have lower fat reserves and higher pain threshold making them push through without realizing they’re drinking too much water.

Some breeds, like Pugs and Corgis, struggle with swimming and may be more likely to swallow water while playing, compared to breeds like Retrievers who move through water smoothly and disturb it less. Ironically, although water-loving breeds spend more time in the water, they’re safer because they’re built for it.

For water-loving dogs, floating toys like the Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float by Chuckit! have a stick shape that helps prevent gulping water, a buoyant design to keep them afloat, and bright colors that make them easy to see from a distance.

It’s also important to remember that some dogs simply have a strong thirst drive and may keep drinking even when they’ve had enough.

How to Prevent Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Dog water intoxication is rare but can quickly turn into a life-threatening condition in advanced cases. It’s important to monitor your dog during swimming and water play. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice signs of even mild water intoxication.

• Limit swimming sessions and take frequent breaks: Give your dog plenty of chances to relieve themselves to remove excess fluid from their body. If your dog plays in water to beat the heat, consider using a cooling dog bandana as a safer way to help them cool down without the risks of water intoxication
• Avoid round toys or tennis balls during fetch play: Instead, opt for flatter toys which helps your dog close their mouth more easily around it, reducing the risk of excess water entering their system.
• If possible, train your dog to wear floaties or a life jacket: This keeps them from diving too deep into the water. The Ruffwear Float Coat is one of our absolute favorites, as it’s made with rugged materials and filled with thick foam, delivering maximum buoyancy.
• Observe your dog’s swimming style: Your dog can be a skilled swimmer but it’s always a good idea to watch their swimming style. Some dogs keep their heads low in the water or swim with their mouths open, allowing large amounts of water to enter.
• Keep slow-feeding bowls at home to reduce water gulping. Alternatively, you can try a dog water bottle with a built-in flap that acts as a small drinking bowl. You press a button to dispense controlled amounts of water into the bowl, helping prevent your dog from drinking too much too quickly and reducing the risk of hyperhydration.

Conclusion

Water intoxication in dogs is rare, but since it can be fatal in severe cases, every pet parent should take it seriously. During hot summer months, swimming and water play become more common and so does the risk of dog water intoxication. Knowing the signs, acting early, and following simple prevention tips can make all the difference.

Whether your dog is a seasoned swimmer, loves drinking water from a sprinkler, or has a naturally high thirst drive, your supervision is needed all the time. As always, when in doubt, trust your instincts and call your vet.