Talking with clients about a dog’s essential needs always includes making sure they understand that their pet should have constant access to clean and fresh drinking water, especially in the summer time. Though water is essential for a pet’s well-being, there can be times when too much water can be dangerous.

How much water is too much for pets?

Water Intoxication

When a dog ingests more water than its body can safely process it may suffer from water intoxication, a dangerous and often life-threatening condition known as hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia:

• Occurs when an animal swallows an excessive amount of water
• Begins when the excess water dilutes the bodily fluids, causing:
• An imbalance in the electrolytes
• The depletion of sodium levels in the fluid outside of the cells.

The body requires balanced sodium levels to maintain blood pressure and allow for proper nerve and muscle function. When the cell’s concentration of sodium drops, the body attempts to regain the balance found within the cells with that found outside of the cells. This creates an inflow of water that causes the cells to swell, and affects areas that include the:

• Brain
• Central nervous system.

Animals at Risk

Water intoxication can happen to any dog, regardless of size or breed; however, smaller animals seem to develop symptoms more quickly. Dogs at highest risk are the ones that:

• Want to play in water for long periods of time
• Continuously bite or lap at water while playing in it
• Unintentionally swallow water while retrieving items
• Over-hydrate during or after exercising
• Like to play with sprinklers or water hoses.

Prevention

Clients with water-loving dogs need to be aware of the following tips that will help to keep their pet safe.

• Pay attention to the way the dog plays in the water
• Animals face an increased chance of ingesting large amounts of water if, for instance:
• Their mouth is open a lot
• Water play time largely consists of holding objects while swimming
• When diving to retrieve items from the bottom
• Supervise the animal’s in-water activities, especially on days with rough water
• Establish frequent out of the water rest breaks.

Hyponatremia can also affect animals that do not spend their time in or around water. Some dogs frequently empty their water bowls and search for more during or after exercising. Clients need to be observant of their pet’s water consumption and reminded to:

• Monitor drinking water intake after a period of hard play or exercise
• Provide frequent short water breaks during exercise or play periods.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication

Clients should also be made aware that if their pet becomes water intoxicated, the condition is capable of progressing quickly and is life-threatening. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought when an animal exhibits any of the following symptoms, especially after they have been playing in the water.
Symptoms of hyponatremia include, for example:

• Loss of coordination
• Staggering
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Glazed over eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive salivation
• Breathing difficulties
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment for Hyponatremia

Veterinary intervention focuses on restoring the body’s electrolyte balance. Veterinary treatment for hyponatremia will require:

• Intravenous electrolyte delivery
• Diuretics
• Drugs

Unfortunately, even with aggressive veterinary care, many dogs do not recover from hyponatremia. While hyponatremia is fairly rare, clients need to know that there are certain fun activities that can put their pet at risk. Knowing how to observe play behaviors and ways to monitor water intake can help to prevent water intoxication.

For additional ways to offer clients tips for keeping their pets safe, please contact your Covetrus Representative at 855.724.3461

Sources:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/10/28/water-intoxification.aspx

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