A HEARTBROKEN dog owner from Otley is urging people to be aware of the hidden dangers of allowing pets to play in water.

Ben Carthy and his wife Lucy were visiting Lake Windermere with their two dogs on Friday, June 29 when tragedy struck.

Their Springer Spaniel Max, who had relished the chance to have a swim and play, collapsed and had to be rushed to a vet.

There, he was immediately diagnosed with a relatively rare but often fatal condition known as Water Intoxication - which is caused by swallowing too much water.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the vet, Max didn't make it.

Ben was so shocked at losing his pet that he posted up an emotional Facebook message, which has now been shared more than 84,000 times, to warn others.

It said: "After a day filled with fun, fetch and swimming in Lake Windermere myself, Lucy and Tiggy had to say goodbye to our best friend, Max.

"He collapsed and was rushed to the nearest vets where he was diagnosed immediately with Water Intoxication and put on drips of sodium, potassium and mannitol to increase his electrolytes and relieve pressure on his brain.

"After seven hours of determination from the vets and nurses, Max was unable to pull through.

"Water Intoxication is a relatively rare but frequently fatal condition in dogs, and at highest risk are dogs that enjoy playing in the water for long stretches.

"We are so unbelievably devastated that a simple game of fetch in the water, something we had done a hundred times before, resulted in such a perfect day turning into our worst nightmare.

"Water Intoxication was something we knew nothing about. At this time of year, so much awareness is spread about not leaving dogs in hot cars but no one ever mentions the hazardous effects of your dog ingesting too much water whilst playing.

"We have had to learn the hard way and all we can do now is spread awareness of this terrible condition in the hope that other dog owners are informed."

He said: "Max had just turned seven and had never ailed for anything.

"He was a very happy, fit, loving pet and best friend."

Water intoxication is caused by taking in too much water over a short period of time, which can cause dangerously low levels of sodium in the blood.

That in turn causes the body's cells to take on more water and swell, which can lead to potentially fatal brain damage.

Symptoms can include lethargy, a loss of coordination, nausea, glazed eyes, excessive salivating, vomiting and breathing difficulties.

Dog owners are advised to keep an especially close eye on dogs that are very active in water, and make sure they get regular breaks.

They should also take their pets to a vet as quickly as possible if they appear to be acting strangely after spending time in water.