This popular water game could lead to serious trouble

2024. 05. 23.

Most dogs enjoy water play, but there is one game you are better off avoiding.

As soon as the good weather arrives, most dogs eagerly choose water games. Some prefer the inflatable pool, others enjoy swimming in natural waters, and some go into ecstasy when the garden hose comes out. You have probably seen countless videos of excited dogs biting the water coming from the hose, and perhaps your own pet happily indulges in this passion. However, it is good to know that this seemingly harmless game can be dangerous.

It seems harmless, but playing with the garden hose can have serious consequences for the dog

Potential dangers of the garden hose

It is completely normal behavior for a dog to almost go crazy at the sight of a garden hose. When a pet discovers and loves a toy, it's natural for them to eagerly wait for it to come out again. For dogs who love water play, this is similar to how others feel about balls or frisbees. It is understandable that you want to make your pet happy, so when you see how much they love the hose, you let them play with it.

However, it is very important to pay attention to when enough is enough. When a dog plays with water, they will inadvertently swallow some of it. This can also happen when a dog jumps off a dock into a lake and dives underwater. The garden hose, moreover, sprays water with relatively high pressure, increasing the likelihood that your four-legged friend will drink while playing. This may seem harmless at first, but without proper attention, it can lead to a condition known as water intoxication.

Symptoms of water intoxication

Water intoxication occurs when an animal drinks approximately one-third of its body weight in water. Consequently, the smaller the dog, the easier it is for this to happen. Although it may seem unimaginable for, say, a 4-5 kilogram (9-11 pound) miniature dachshund to drink more than one and a half liters of water, it is unfortunately not impossible.

The symptoms appear within 24-48 hours

The first signs of water intoxication are:

lethargy;
lack of coordination;
bloating;
vomiting;
drooling;
pale gums;
dilated pupils;
hazy gaze.

Another dangerous consequence of water intoxication is the disruption of the blood sodium-potassium balance, leading to increased fluid intake by cells. While cell swelling may not pose a problem for certain organs, if it occurs in the brain, it can lead to death.

Increasing temperatures remind us not to forget about the dangers of heatstroke. Click here to find all the important information about what to do.