Dog Mom Shares Important PSA About Giving Pups Water When They're Panting After a Walk

It's hard to believe that July is already almost over, but in the United States (and many other parts of the world) we are deep into summer. Just in case you forgot what season it is, simply step outside, and the hot temperatures will likely remind you. The summer months are also when many of us are spending more time than usual outside with our dogs, and knowing the right way to keep them cool is just as important as keeping ourselves cool.

Most dog lovers probably know that when a dog is panting, it could mean that they're hot and trying to regulate their body temperature, which may prompt their humans to get them a big bowl of water. But before you do that, there's something you should know first!

Dog mom @adoseofstephh is sharing a very important PSA about panting dogs in this TikTok video, sharing that allowing your pup to drink a ton of water when they're panting after spending time outside isn't the best idea.

Why? Quickly drinking a lot of water can lead to a condition known as "bloat." Their stomach suddenly being full of water could expand it to the point that it's pressing on their organs, which can lead to hospitalization or death.

Instead, she recommends putting ice cubes in a bowl for your dog, which will slow down their water intake while still cooling them off.

This is so scary — and judging by the comments, if you didn't already know this fact, you're definitely not alone.

What to Know About Bloat

Dog bloat truly can be quite serious, according to Web MD. This can happen when a dog's stomach is full of gas, fluid, or food and expands, which can cause difficulty breathing, decreased blood flow to the heart or stomach, or a tear in the stomach. In some cases, it can turn into gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition where the stomach rotates, trapping blood in the process and putting a dog into shock.

Drinking too much water too quickly isn't the only cause of bloat; it can also happen after eating from a raised food bowl, eating one big meal per day, eating quickly, or playing too much after eating.

Signs to look out for include a swollen stomach, drool, increased anxiety, or acting restless. Your dog may try to vomit and be unable to or start pacing. As the condition gets worse, Web MD reports that you may notice a rapid heart rate, pale gums, and weakness, along with shortness of breath.

If you suspect your dog may be struggling from bloat, it's important to get veterinary attention quickly.

You can also prevent bloat by serving them several small meals throughout the day instead of one big one and keeping them calm before and after meals.

This is so crucial to know, especially in the summer. Stay safe!