K9 Strong - Rehabilitation & Conditioning

09/30/2025

08/04/2025

Benjamin loves his breakfast!

07/28/2025

Everyone should know about avoiding heat stress in their dogs. If not please read the article posted here recently. Do you also know about the danger of water intoxication? It can be dogs playing/training in pools or lakes or even just overdoing it from the hose. The condition can present itself suddenly and can even be fatal.
When too much water is taken into the body, it literally dilutes the blood. Electrolytes that are normally held in careful and important ratios are suddenly off kilter. Sodium especially will be low at the cellular level, water enters the cells and they enlarge. This is especially dangerous in the brain, where there is very little room to allow for swelling. The extra pressure in the brain accounts for the symptoms that can be seen: stumbling, staggering, discomfort, drooling, acting 'spaced out'. The gums may be pale and the pupils may be dilated. Initially you may wonder if you are seeing heat injury, but taking a temperature can help you figure it out; and if the dog has been playing a lot in the water, that can point you in the right direction.
Water intoxication is not as common as heat injury, but it can be a real emergency, and can lead to death rapidly. Emergency veterinary care includes replacement and monitoring of electrolytes and prevention of further brain swelling. Dogs bred to swim (retrievers, spaniels, etc.) are less likely to have issues as they genetically move better through the water.
Enjoy the water with your dogs, just keep this in the back of your mind if they start to act spacey! 😎