My 5yr old Springer dog died on sunday at the beach after running & swimming, could this be a heart attack?

Question

He was very healthy and fit, he might have started to get arthristis, could this have caused it?

It was at Holkham beach in Norfolk, he did drink a lot of sea water but we have been there loads of times and he use to do it all the time (he then evacuates it), we didn't do anything different. It happend when we sat down after the run and swim, we have 2 other dogs and they where fine, it wasn't that hot, i just don't understand why it happend?

Answer 1

Sorry to hear about your dog, no arthritis would not cause death. This could have been water toxicity. If he consumed too much water it can crash a dogs internal electrolyte system or due to the fact that is was salt water and his body couldn't handle the amount of salt in his system-the amount of water is diluting the system too much. Just because a dog is urinating doesn't mean it eliminating all the the water and salt in his system. This particular day he may have just swallowed too much. I have heard this happening to other dogs...they were playing with the pool, hose and kids...dog was catching the water gulping it. A few hours later the dog collapsed, rushed to the vet and the dog died shortly after. Another persons dog was swimming in a lake (dog had swam there before) and the dog did the same thing..gulped a lot of water, collapsed, rushed to vet and died. This also happened to a woman that was doing a contest for a radio show.

Answer 2

Arthritis does not cause death unless there is an infection. If the dog was running and swimming it may have been a heart attack. But it all depends on the health of the dog. It was at a young age of 5. So the only other things I can think of is possibly water got in its lungs and caused it to suffocate. It may even been a problem with its brain like a brain tumor or a stroke. I hope this was of some help.

Answer 3

I am so sorry. I know exactly what you are going through as I lost my 12yo dog last year under similar circumstances. Only time can heal. I also had the same problem when my first dog died, the younger dog grieved so badly. Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do for your rotty because the older dog was his pack brother and best friend. Things will come a little easier as the weeks move on. I wish you both best wishes,and sorry I could not be of more help.

Answer 4

This question hit home as I was on the beach on Sunday with mytwo and a half year old springer. He had a wonderful time running and swimming and I cannot imagine how you must have felt when your dear friend died so suddenly. I am sure he was happy playing in his last moments especially as he was with his best friend. Nothing I can say to help except that I am so sorry.

Answer 5

The salt in sea water is very bad fro dogs, well bad for anyone really. Arthritus does not kill. Heart attack or stroke is the most probable cause but he/she is a young dog so it would be quite unusual and unlikely because as you said he is fit and heathy. You can take the body to a vet and have an autopsy where they examine it and find the probable casue of death, maybe quite expensive, but worth it if it puts your mind at ease.

Sorry for your loss it's a hard thing to cope with, but I hope this has helped xxx

Answer 6

Sorry to hear about your dog. Non- dog people just would not understand the sense of loss that we feel. Arthritis would not have caused your dog to die.
I once watched an Alsatian in a tracking competition when It suddenly stopped, looked skywards and fell on it's side...dead! A post mortem was carried out and it was found to have a very enlarged heart

Answer 7

May i offer my most sincere condolences on your loss, you are obviously devasted and looking for answers bless you. For an otherwise fit and healthy dog to pass away like that indicates a heart attack. You would never have known it was coming or that he had a heart defect as vets in this country do not check for stuff like that ordinarily. Please do not blame yourself, it could have, and probably would have, happened when he was sitting at home or walking round the garden. He was obviously very special because God wanted him back early. A special rose, lent, not given - to bud on earth and bloom in heaven. x

Answer 8

I'm really sorry about your dog. what a sad thing.
did you see the dog that won the Westminster Kennel Club show this year? it was an English Springer Spaniel named "James". and a few years ago, "James'" grandfather also won the show.
so, I know just how beautiful your dog was.
did he show any signs of distress during the day?, like excessive panting? (indicating heat stroke), or was he drinking a lot of (polluted) water?
arthritus absolutely could not have caused this to happen.
please accept my sympathy on the loss of your pet.

Answer 9

Did your dog have a family history of heart problems?
If it was a really hot day and he didn't have much water to drink, he could have overheated. Dogs don't sweat. Panting helps cool them down. An acquaintance of mines liked to run and took his chow with him. It was very hot and humid, and the dog couldn't take it. Passed away that day. I think she was 3 years old.
My heart goes out to you.

Answer 10

Thats awful how sad you must be. My dog is 4 and has arthritus and ive never heard of that killing an animal before to be honest. Speak to your vet and get some feed back from them. Maybe he had something else eg brain tumour or something. Something that you were unaware of which would explain the suddeness of his death.