Beyond thirst: Exploring the dangers of water toxicity in dogs

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Water is known to be the elixir of life. But have you thought that what if this elixir turns poison for your furry friend? Know more about water toxication in dogs – what is it, signs and symptoms, and how you can prevent it.

– by Dr. Chetanya Walia

Water intoxication in dogs is known by a variety of names, including water poisoning, hyperhydration, and water toxemia. No matter what you call it, this problem can come on suddenly and the outcome can be fatal. That’s why pet parents need to be cautious!

Quenching too much, not a good idea

Water toxicity can occur when your pet ingests an excessive amount of water, leading to a dangerous dilution of electrolytes in the body, particularly sodium. Water toxemia typically occurs after a dog ingests large quantities of water rapidly, such as when playing in water for an extended period or ingesting water from a pool, hose, or sprinkler.

Here’s what happens when the body is overwhelmed with an excessive amount of water. First, sodium levels outside the cells are depleted. This condition is referred to as hyponatremia. In an effort to rebalance itself, the body responds to the low blood sodium by increasing fluid intake inside the cells. Some organs, such as the liver, can accommodate the increased volume of their swelling cells, but other organs like brain cannot do this, as it is encased by a bone.

Overflowing risks

Here are some of the most common symptoms of water toxicity in dogs –

  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration
  • Bloating
  • Vomiting
  • Shock
  • Stumbling
  • Glaze over eyes
  • Neurological involvement
  • Dilated pupils
  • Nausea
  • Excessive salivation

As the pressure in the brain increases and the brain cells begin to die, your pet might have difficulty in breathing, may develop seizures, and may even slip into a coma.

Fluid Folly: recognizing and preventing hyperhydration

  • Continuous supervision is important when your pet is involved in any water related activities.
  • Establish a limited timeframe for playing in and around water.
  • Keep your furry friend well hydrated to reduce his desire to drink excess amount of water and that too unsupervised.
  • Use flat toys instead of round ones, since flat toys tend to absorb less water, thus reducing the risk.
  • Make sure the annual medical check-up involves kidney check-up for your pet to make sure his body is processing fluids well.
  • Don’t leave your pet unattended at a place with unlimited access to a large water source.

Hydration hazard and its treatment

While your pet may no longer be drinking water, his body will still absorb the water he has already ingested. Dogs can suffer from brain damage quite quickly as a result of water toxication.

Rely on the expertise of your vet and do not panic. In case, your furry friend is diagnosed with water toxicity, you can expect one or a mixture of the following three –

  • Administering an IV to replenish electrolytes
  • Diuretics to encourage urination
  • Diuretic medicines can also be given to decrease cranial pressure

While treatments can reverse the effects of water intoxication, the damage that remains is harder to overcome. If it is a minor water toxicity, dogs can recover on their own. But as a responsible pet parent, you shouldn’t be taking any chances with the health and wellbeing of your beloved pet.

Pay attention to his behavior. By knowing how he acts when at his healthiest, you’ll be able to spot any medical problems much faster. Therefore, you’ll be able to treat and overcome potentially devastating medical issues if they arise.

(Dr. Chetanya Walia – Department of Veterinary Medicine, NDVASU Jabalpur M.P)

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