By: Amber Kitchens
First Published: 02 September 2025
Date Revised: 02 September 2025

Preface

The image of dogs joyfully splashing in water brings a warmth to the heart…it's simply a beautiful sight! There are countless videos showcasing the joy dogs experience while playing in the water, whether it's in a pool or splashing through a puddle. It’s quite common to witness dogs joyfully engaging with the sprinkler or water hose. It’s truly so pure and adorable! ....until it becomes something else. Who would have ever imagined that water could cause harm to our cherished pets? Never in a million years could I have imagined that something so pure, like playing in the water, would lead to such sorrow.

This article is strictly for educational purposes only and is only intended to inform families and our animal-loving community that cherish their beloved 4-legged family members.

This article is wholeheartedly dedicated to Willie Papas, my beloved miniature dachshund.  May you be living in the sky as large as your spirit, and may you catch all the fish you ever want. Willie, you are truly missed and will forever be in our hearts, our mission, and in our home.

We are deeply grateful to Blue Pearl Pet Hospital for their compassionate care of our beloved boy and for doing everything within their power to save Willie. Your efforts mean so much to us, and we will forever cherish the support you provided to our family. Thank you.

Another heartfelt thank you to Kings Creek Animal Hospital for their wonderful care of Willie, from his check-ups to letting him prance around the clinic and greet everyone! Our gratitude will forever remain in our hearts. I am truly grateful, Dr. Avery, for your dedication to studying Willie’s case after his passing and for sharing your thoughts and opinions with me. We hold Kings Creek Animal Hospital close to our hearts and are truly grateful for the care you provide for our beloved pets.

Overview

Water intoxication (also called water poisoning or water toxemia) happens when a dog ingests more water than the body can get rid of quickly (Flaim, 2023). The excess water dilutes sodium and other electrolytes in the blood, causing fluid to move into cells and making them swell—especially brain cells (Swartzel, 2025). This can become life-threatening in a short time.

How water intoxication occurs in dogs, (AKC, 2025):

• Repetitive water play: Fetching toys in water, “bobbing” for toys, or repeatedly biting at waves.

• Drinking from a hose/sprinkler: Chasing and biting pressurized water leads to large volumes swallowed quickly.

• Long swim sessions without breaks: Especially in cool water, where urine production can slow.

• Small body size or lean, high-drive dogs: They can ingest a lot relative to their body weight.

• Less commonly: Certain health issues that impair water excretion (kidney disease, endocrine disorders) or medications affecting water balance.

What to look for (Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, 2022):

• Restlessness, lethargy, or unusual “out of it” behavior

• Nausea, drooling, vomiting (often clear, watery fluid)

• Bloating or a tight, distended belly

• Pale gums, glassy eyes, dilated pupils

• Unsteady gait, stumbling, weakness

• Increased urination at first; then may stop

• Confusion, disorientation, head pressing

• Tremors, twitching, or seizures

• Collapse, coma

• Low body temperature, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing

What happens in the body (MacMillan, 2024):

• Excess water dilutes sodium in the bloodstream (hyponatremia) and lowers blood osmolality.

• Water moves into cells to balance the gradient; brain cells swell (cerebral edema).

• Swollen brain increases pressure in the skull, disrupting normal brain function—causing nausea, ataxia, seizures, and potentially respiratory arrest.

• The gut may fill with water and gas, contributing to bloating and vomiting.

What to do if you suspect early water intoxication (Independence Veterinary Clinic, 2025):

Act quickly—this can worsen fast. Go to the ER immediately-this could save your dog’s life. Do not wait to “see if it passes” if signs appear—timely treatment can be lifesaving.

• Stop water exposure immediately: End swimming, hose play, or wave-chasing.

• Keep your dog warm and calm: Dry them, wrap them in a towel, and minimize stimulation.

• Do not offer more water or food: Avoid giving salt, sports drinks, or homemade remedies unless a veterinarian instructs you.

• Allow urination: Give frequent, calm potty breaks if your dog is steady enough to walk.

• Transport safely: If vomiting or seizing, keep your dog’s head slightly down and to the side to reduce aspiration risk. Keep them warm in the car.

Prevention: While it's important for your dog to stay hydrated, moderation is key. Here are a few ways to prevent water intoxication (Trumann Animal Clinic, 2025):

• Monitor water play: Limit long sessions of water fetch or swimming, especially if your dog tends to gulp water.

• Take breaks: Encourage rest and limit water access during heavy play or hot days.

• Avoid letting your dog bite at water streams from hoses or sprinklers for extended periods.

• Offer controlled access to drinking water—don’t let your dog drink excessively all at once.

• Know your dog’s limits: If your dog is small, lean, or has shown signs of overdrinking before, be extra cautious.

• Watch their intake and behavior: Stop water play if you see belly distension, excessive gulping, coughing, or frequent watery vomit and rush to the closes ER immediately.

Common myths and tips

“It’s just too much water; they’ll be fine after a nap.” False. Hyponatremia can progress quickly and become fatal without treatment.

“I can fix it with salty snacks or electrolytes at home.” Not safe. Improper salt or electrolyte correction can be dangerous. Go to the ER.

Saltwater vs. freshwater: Saltwater ingestion causes a different problem (hypernatremia) and needs veterinary care. Both are emergencies if symptoms appear (Animal Emergency Service, 2023).

 Red flags that mean “go to the ER now!”:

• Wobbly walking, confusion, tremors, seizures, collapse

• Repeated vomiting, pronounced bloating, or profound lethargy

• Any concerning signs after significant water play or hose/sprinkler chasing

Bottom line

Water intoxication is rare but serious (ASPCA, 2025). Know the early signs, end water exposure immediately, and call your vet or go to the ER without delay. With smart prevention—short sessions, regular breaks, and discouraging water-gulping games, most dogs can safely enjoy time in and around water.

References

• Animal Emergency Service. (2023). Understanding Salt Toxicity in Dogs. Animal Emergency Service. https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/understanding-salt-toxicity-in-dogs/

• ASPCA Pro. (2025). Treating Acute Water Intoxication in Pets. ASPCA Pro. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/treating-acute-water-intoxication-pets

• Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates. (2022). Recognizing and Preventing Water Intoxication in Dogs. Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates. https://www.beverlyhillsvets.com/blog/recognizing-and-preventing-water-intoxication-in-dogs/

• Flaim, D. (2023). Can Dogs Drink Too Much Water? The Dangers of Water Intoxication. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-drink-much-water-dangers-water-intoxication/

• Independence Veterinary Clinic. (2025). Water Intoxication…it’s a Thing! Independence Veterinary Clinic. https://independenceveterinaryclinic.com/water-intoxicationits-a-thing/#:~:text=TREATMENT%20OF%20HYPONATREMIA%20If%20you%20think%20your,very%20low%2Dsodium%20diet%20for%20the%20coming%20months.

• MacMillan, R. (2024). Water poisoning in dogs – is it real? Vet Help Direct. https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2024/07/09/water-poisoning-in-dogs-is-it-real/

• Swartzel, F. (2025). Understanding Water Intoxication in Pets. American Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota. https://aercmn.com/understanding-water-intoxication-in-pets/

• Trumann Animal Clinic. (2025). Water Intoxication in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Why It's More Serious Than You Think. Trumann Animal Clinic. https://www.facebook.com/TrumannAnimalClinic/posts/water-intoxication-in-dogs-signs-causes-and-why-its-more-serious-than-you-thinkd/1367599792041473/

By: Amber Kitchens
First Published: 13 August 2025
Date Revised: 23 August 2025

What to Look for When Searching for a Puppy
• Reputable breeder: Choose sources with a strong reputation, transparency, and positive references or reviews (Borzino et al., 2023).
• Clean, safe environment: Puppies should be raised in a clean, spacious, and well-maintained home or facility (Barnes et al., 2025).
• Interaction with the mother: Puppies should be seen with their mother (and litter-mates) to ensure proper early socialization (Madson, 2024).
• Health records: Request up-to-date vaccination and veterinary records, always!
• Questions from the seller: Responsible breeders will ask you about your lifestyle to ensure a good match (American Breeder, 2024).
• Responsible breeding practices: Ethical breeders will never breed a dam (mother dog) before she is at least 1 year old and fully mature—early breeding can harm her health and the health of the puppies (AKC, 2025).

The Dangers of Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that prioritize profit over animal welfare (Humane World for Animals, 2025).
Common issues include:
• Poor living conditions: Overcrowded, unsanitary cages with little to no human interaction (ASPCA, 2019).
• Serious health problems: Puppies often suffer from genetic disorders, malnutrition, and infectious diseases (Maybruck, 2020).
• Behavioral challenges: Lack of early socialization can lead to anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression (McEvoy et al., 2022).
• Inhumane treatment: Breeding dogs are often neglected, bred too young, and forced into continuous litters until they are no longer “useful” (ASPCA, 2025).
• Breeding too early: Many puppy mills breed dams before they are physically mature, which can cause lifelong health issues for both the mother and her puppies (VisionPath Team, 2025).

Why Not Buy from Puppy Mills
Supporting puppy mills perpetuates the cycle of suffering for countless dogs. By purchasing from these operations—often disguised through online ads or pet stores—you may unintentionally contribute to animal cruelty and end up with a sick or poorly socialized puppy.

Questions to ask-ALWAYS!

When talking to a reputable breeder, you want to make sure they prioritize the health, temperament, and welfare of their dogs over profit. Here’s a solid list of questions to ask — grouped so you can get the clearest picture of their ethics and quality.

About the Parents

1. How old is the dam? (She should be at least 1 year old before breeding.)

2. How many litters has the dam had?

3. What are the temperaments of the parents?

4. Are the parents regularly seen by a Veterinarian? 

5. Can I meet the parents? (Sire and Dam)

About Health & Veterinary Care

6. What health screenings have been done on the puppy?

7. Are the puppies vet-checked before going home?

8. Will I get a copy of vaccination and de-worming records?

9. Do you offer a written health guarantee?

10. What happens if my vet finds a serious health problem shortly after adoption?

11. What type of food are the parents and puppies fed?

About Socialization & Environment

12. Where are the puppies raised? 

13. How are the puppies socialized with children, other pets, noises, vehicles, etc?

14. Can I visit/see the living conditions?

15. Is the puppy safe to be exposed to other pets and environments before their shots are complete?

About the Adoption Process

16. At what age do you let the puppies go home?

17. Do you require an application or interview? (Good breeders want to ensure a good match.)

18. What support do you offer after adoption?

19. Will you take the puppy back if I can’t keep them?

20. What are your top recommendations for ensuring a long and happy life for my puppy? 

Red Flags to Watch For

• Refuses to let you see where the dogs are kept.

• Breeds the Dam back to back each year.

• No health testing or vague answers about medical care.

• Offers to ship the puppy sight-unseen.

• Pushes for a quick sale without asking about your home or lifestyle.

• No official website or reviews to reflect the organization.

• Refuses to facetime/video chat.

• Pushes for a deposit without you ever seeing/video chatting to see the puppy.

Conclusion
When you adopt or purchase a puppy responsibly, you are not only bringing home a healthier, happier pet—you are also supporting humane practices that value animal welfare. If you are ever unsure, WALK AWAY! 

References

• AKC. (2025). AKC’s Guide to Responsible Dog Breeding. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akcs-guide-responsible-dog-breeding/

• ASPCA. (2025). How Cruel Breeding Hurts Dogs. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/barred-from-love/puppy-mills-101/how-cruel-breeding-hurts-dogs

• ASPCA. (2019). Still III: Puppy Mills Continue to Make People Sick. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/news/still-ill-puppy-mills-continue-make-people-sick

• American Breeder. (2024). What are the best practices for screening potential puppy buyers? American Breeder. https://www.americanbreeder.com/resources/american-breeder-blog/dogs/best-practices-for-screening-puppy-buyers

• Barnes, C., Williams, K., & Ward, E. (2025). Raising Puppies-How do I care for the newborn puppies? VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/puppy-raising

• Borzino, N., Fatas, E., & Peterle, E., (2025). In transparency we trust an experimental study of reputation, transparency, and signaling. ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2023.102061

• Madson, C. (2024). When Can Puppies Leave Their Mother and Littermates? Preventive Vet. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/when-can-puppies-leave-their-mother

• Humane World for Animals. (2025). Puppy Mills. Humane World for Animals. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/issue/stopping-puppy-mills

• Maybruck, S. (2020). The Unethical Practices Behind Dog Breeding. Sacred Heart University. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1596&context=acadfest

• McEvoy, V., Espinosa, U., Crump, A., & Arnott, G. (2022). Canine Socialization: A Narrative Systematic Review. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9655304/

• VisionPath Team. (2025). Dog Breeding: How Old Should Your Dog Be Before Breeding? Florence & Hartsville Animal Hospital. https://florenceah.com/dog-breeding-age-guidelines/#:~:text=Breeding%20too%20early%20may%20result,and%20genetic%20conditions%20are%20essential.