07/25/2018
This is heartbreaking. Unfortunately our dogs can't tell us when they need a break from running back and forth to the water/swimming. All they know is they're having fun and want to please us. We need to make the decision for them. In this heat I am seeing more and more stories like this. It breaks my heart. Please make sure to give your animals breaks, fresh water, and if possible keep them out of this heat altogether. I very much love to include my dogs in everything I do. If you're like me, you'll find leaving your furbabies at home difficult. Play with them in short spurts. If you bring them outside with you make sure there's shade for them. It is SO worth it in the long run
Yesterday after a day filled with fun, fetch and swimming in Lake Windermere, Myself, Lucy & Tiggy had to say goodbye to our best friend Max.
He collapsed and was rushed to the nearest vets where he was diagnosed immediately with Water Intoxication and put on drips of sodium, potassium and mannitol to increase his electrolytes and relieve pressure on his brain.
After 7 hours of determination from the vets and nurses, Max was unable to pull through.
“Water Intoxication is a relatively rare but frequently fatal condition in dogs. At highest risk are dogs that enjoy playing in the water for long stretches.”
We are so unbelievably devastated that a simple game of fetch in the water, something we had done a hundred times before, resulted in such a perfect day turning into our worst nightmare.
Water Intoxication was something we knew nothing about. At this time of year, so much awareness is spread about not leaving dogs in hot cars but no one ever mentions the hazardous effects of your dog ingesting too much water whilst playing.
We have had to learn the hard way and all we can do now is spread awareness of this terrible condition in the hope that other dog owners are informed.
Please share this post to spread awareness of Water Intoxication and save lives
We Love You Maxy ###
Beware of water intoxication in dogs! This is caused by excessive water intake by the dog while playing in the water Symptoms to look out for are loss of coordination, glazed eyes, lethargy, nausea, vomiting and excessive salivation. ... if you suspect your dog is suffering from water intoxication, they need immediate medical attention.
