Water Safety for Pets: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Summer is the perfect time for playing in sprinklers, splashing in lakes, and cooling off with the hose. Playing in water is a great way to help pets stay active and beat the heat, but it also comes with a few hidden dangers. Most pet owners know to watch for drowning, but fewer are aware of a condition called water intoxication, which can occur when a dog swallows too much water in a short period of time.

That's exactly what happened to a young pup named Indy.

When Water Fun Took a Scary Turn

Indy is a playful, happy-go-lucky dog who loves chasing water from the hose in her backyard. Her family had noticed she often swallowed quite a bit of water during play and would occasionally vomit afterward. One afternoon, though, something was different.

Indy became restless. She paced, gagged, drooled excessively, and foamed at the mouth. She just couldn't seem to get comfortable, and her symptoms continued to worsen. Concerned, her family brought her to DoveLewis, where our emergency team quickly began evaluating her.

Based on her history and examination, our team suspected water intoxication.

Water intoxication occurs when a dog consumes more water than the body can process, causing sodium levels in the bloodstream to drop. Sodium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function. When sodium levels become too low, water moves into the body's cells, causing them to swell. Swelling in the brain can lead to serious neurological signs, including loss of coordination, seizures, coma, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

Indy was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and treatment. Our team monitored her electrolyte levels, provided carefully managed IV therapy, and treated her nausea while watching for any signs of neurological deterioration. Fortunately, she responded well to treatment, and by the following day, her sodium levels had normalized, her symptoms had resolved, and she was able to head home with her family.

What Is Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication is uncommon, but it can happen when a dog repeatedly swallows large amounts of water during play. Dogs most often ingest excess water while:

• Chasing water from a hose or sprinkler
• Repeatedly retrieving balls or toys from lakes, rivers, or pools
• Swimming or playing in the water for long periods without breaks

While any dog can be affected, smaller dogs may develop signs more quickly because it takes less water to disrupt their body's sodium balance.

Signs of Water Intoxication

Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog develops any of the following:

• Staggering or loss of coordination
• Vomiting or excessive drooling
• Restlessness or unusual behavior
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pale gums
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Collapse

Water intoxication can progress rapidly, making early treatment critical.

Know the Signs of Drowning or Water Distress

Even confident swimmers can get into trouble. Unlike what we often see in movies, drowning is usually quiet. Dogs may struggle without barking or splashing dramatically.

Watch for signs such as:

• A low head position with the nose barely above the water
• Difficulty staying afloat
• Gasping, coughing, or labored breathing after leaving the water
• Weakness, confusion, or collapse
• Blue or gray gums or tongue

Even if your pet seems to recover after a near-drowning event, they should still be evaluated by a veterinarian. Water inhaled into the lungs can lead to aspiration pneumonia or other complications that may not become apparent for several hours.

How to Keep Pets Safe Around Water

You don't have to skip the fun. A few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe.

• Always supervise pets around pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.
• Give your dog frequent breaks during water play.
• Discourage prolonged hose or sprinkler chasing if your dog is swallowing large amounts of water.
• Consider a properly fitted life jacket for small dogs, senior pets, or dogs swimming in open water.
• Teach your dog how to safely exit a pool before letting them swim.
• Avoid water with harmful algae blooms or public health advisories, and don't allow pets to drink from lakes or ponds.
• If your pet seems "off" after swimming or water play, trust your instincts and contact your veterinarian.

Indy’s family did exactly what we hope every pet owner would do: they noticed something wasn’t right and acted fast. Thanks to their quick thinking and a dedicated care team, Indy made a full recovery. But her experience is an important reminder: Even something as simple as playing with the hose can become dangerous.