Vet says dog owners need to watch out for 'hidden' summer danger

Vet says dog owners need to watch out for 'hidden' summer danger The most serious cases can result in irreversible brain damage or death Pet owners are being reminded this summer of an avoidable issue that can be just as deadly as heat stroke, according to a vet. People with small dogs should take extra care as their pets could find themselves in a much riskier situation this summer. Small animal vet, Tom Carter, based in Dorset, said: "Heat stroke is not the only thing that you need to be careful of with your dogs in summer. Water poisoning occurs when dogs ingest too much water. "It usually happens on hot days when dogs are taken to rivers and streams to cool off. They might play with the ball, bite the waves and unintentionally consume a massive amount of water. "This massively reduces the amount of salt in the blood, which pulls water across the blood-brain barrier into the brain. It's not enormously common, but if your dog's playing in water and seems to be taking in a large amount, it's just something to keep an eye out for." Although the vet used an example of drinking from a river or stream, pet owners should be vigilant for this in all forms of water. While it is rare, it can happen at home from things like paddling pools and garden hoses. Small-bodied and highly energetic breeds (like Terriers or Retrievers) are at the highest risk. This is because it takes far less water to overwhelm their smaller systems. According to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), owners may not realise the risks until symptoms are already set in. The charity said: "Swallowing excess water can dilute a dog’s sodium (salt) levels, leading to hyponatremia (lower-than-normal sodium levels in the bloodstream). "When this happens, cells in the body try to rebalance by absorbing more water. This causes the cells to swell and grow larger. Over time, the dog’s kidneys can usually sort out the sodium and water levels, but if a dog’s brain cells swell, it can quickly lead to irreversible brain damage before they have the chance." You can easily prevent water intoxication by managing your dog's interactions with water. Limit continuous water play to 15 minutes at a time, and don't use tennis balls in water, as these toys keep your dog's mouth wide open, forcing them to gulp water while swimming. What are the warning signs? Pet owners should be familiar with the warning signs. Symptoms that the problem is an early or mild case of water poisoning include: - Loss of coordination - Sudden extreme weakness - Nausea and vomiting - Excessive drooling - Bloating (a visibly distended stomach) The problem could be more serious and indicate brain swelling, with severe signs such as glazed eyes, pale gums, tremors, and difficulty breathing. Dogs might also suffer seizures or lose consciousness. Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows any signs of water poisoning. If treatment is started quickly and the symptoms are not severe, most dogs recover from water intoxication, but if a dog’s symptoms are severe or affect the brain, water poisoning can be fatal.