Agility Dogs & Water Intoxication

Agility Dogs & Water Intoxication

Your dog must be well-hydrated. Ensuring that your four-legged friend has fresh, clean water always available should be one of your main priorities. You may wonder if your dog can drink too much water. The answer is yes. Unfortunately, an overabundance of water can lead to adverse health effects, including death. Continue reading to learn more.

Water intoxication may also be referred to as hyperhydration, water poisoning, or water toxemia. Regardless of what you refer to it as, the problem can come on suddenly, and the outcome can be fatal. Below are the common symptoms of water intoxication in dogs:

  • Bloating
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of coordination
  • Drooling
  • Pale gums
  • Glazed eyes
  • Dilated pupils

Certain dogs are at risk for water intoxication. Cross-training for agility in swimming pools puts certain dogs at risk as they may ingest too much water. You must understand how to treat dogs who are going through water intoxication. Treatment mainly involves the administration of electrolytes because water intoxication can cause a lack of sodium. Your veterinarian may administer drugs to decrease pressure in the brain or help remove the fluid.

The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent water intoxication in dogs. Pay close attention to your dog’s swimming style. Does the dog tend to splash in the water a lot? Please do not allow it to swim or retrieve in water without supervision. It is also essential to take frequent rest breaks. We hope that you understand the importance of prevention so that you can keep your four-legged friend happy, healthy, and safe!