Hanz the Schnauzer tragically died (Picture: Caters)

A warning from a grieving dog owner has gone viral after she describes accidentally killing her dog with a game of fetch.

Hanz, a two-year-old Schnauzer, collapsed and died of water intoxication on August 12 after he chased sticks into a lake around 20 times during a family party one afternoon.

The dog unwittingly swallowed too much water as he fetched the sticks and swam back to his owners with his mouth open.

This caused his sodium levels to drop – known as hyponatremia – which then led to fatal brain damage.


Heartbroken owner Jen Walsh, 42, posted a warning on Facebook that has since had almost 85,000 likes and shares.

It was Hanz’s first visit to open water (Picture: Caters)

Jen, who lives in the Northern California foothills, said: ‘Hanz absolutely loved to fetch, and I had no idea throwing your dog a stick could be a risk.



‘We threw sticks and tennis balls for him all the time. When I realised that had caused his death, I was completely horrified. I just thought, “Why did no one tell me about this?”

‘Hanz probably fetched the stick 20 times over an hour and a half. He was obsessed with the water, and he loved playing fetch.

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‘We didn’t know what had happened – he had been running around fine, then within 20 minutes something was seriously wrong and within an hour he was dead.

‘We had no idea dogs can take on too much water while playing in the water and that this can cause them so much harm.

‘I feel lots of guilt to know we had put him at risk and we didn’t even know it. We actually thought it was good for him, as we were giving him exercise and keeping him cool.

‘Even people who have been vets for years do not know about this – people just haven’t heard of it. Even when he started deteriorating, I never suspected it was anything to do with fetching the stick.

‘It was just crazy he went so fast, from running around to gone in less than an hour. He was so obsessed with the water and he died doing what he loved, which is a small comfort.

‘It’s sad, because dogs love the water so much, but I don’t think I would let the next dog we have go in the water at all.’

What is canine water intoxication, and how do you prevent it? Water intoxication affects humans and animals and is caused by ingesting too much water in a short space of time. This causes low levels of sodium in the blood, known as hyponatremia, which causes the cells to take on more water and swell – leading to potentially-fatal brain damage. It is most commonly seen in smaller dogs, leaner dogs with less body fat, very energetic and fit dogs and dogs which are infatuated with water. Symptoms include loss of coordination, lethargy, glazed eyes, excessive drooling, seizures, coma, bloating, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog is suffering from canine water intoxication, get them to the vet immediately. Owners should monitor dogs which are very active in water and ensure they get regular rest breaks. A large, heavy stone can also be placed in their water bowl to slow them down.

The trip to the lake was Hanz’s first time swimming in open water, and the family had taken him as a treat.

Less than an hour after the game of fetch, Hanz suddenly became lethargic and appeared ‘drunk’.

He was rushed to the vets, with Jen’s husband Don attempting CPR on the sick dog.

But tragically, the vets said there was nothing they could do, and Hanz was pronounced dead that same day.

‘Some people who have gone through the same may think their dog has drowned and not realise what has actually happened,’ Jen said.

‘If we had known about water intoxication, maybe there would have been something more we could have done to save him.

‘Knowing what happened to Hanz could save other dogs’ lives and that his death was not in vain has really helped us deal with the grieving process.’