Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Dog with water intoxication after swimming or fetching
After prolonged swimming or water-fetch — wobbliness, vomiting, or seizures point to water intoxication; phone the vet now, this is life-threatening.
Recognise the signs
- Wobbliness, weakness
- Vomiting, drooling
- Bloated belly
- Pale gums
- Seizures, collapse
- Onset within hours of water exposure
First aid steps
- Stop water activity immediately.
- Phone the emergency vet.
- Drive without delay.
Do NOT
- Do not give more water.
- Do not assume tiredness or just drinking too much.
While transporting to the vet
- Phone ahead — IV diuretics and hypertonic saline preparation.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any neurological signs after water exposure
- Vomiting and bloated belly after swimming
Common causes
- Prolonged swimming with mouth open
- Repetitive ball-fetch from water
- Excessive drinking after exercise
- Hose play
What the vet will need to know
- Type and length of water exposure
- Swimming, fetching, or drinking from hose
- Time signs started
Aftercare
- IV fluids and electrolyte management; hospitalisation.
- Treatment for brain swelling.
- Recovery depends on severity at presentation.
Prevention
- Limit water-fetch sessions to short bursts.
- Take breaks during swimming.
- Avoid hose play.
- Watch the dog's tongue position — flat tongue gulping water is risky.
Breed-specific notes
- High-drive ball/fetch breeds: Border Collie, Labrador, Retrievers, Spaniels.
Frequently asked questions
How does water intoxication happen?
Excessive water intake dilutes blood sodium dangerously, causing brain swelling and seizures.
How much water is too much?
Varies by dog, but prolonged repetitive water intake during fetch is the classic trigger. Limit sessions and provide breaks.
Is it the same as salt poisoning at the sea?
Opposite — salt water poisoning raises sodium dangerously high. Both are emergencies but need different management.