Dogs drinking from the lake seems natural. However, gastrointestinal illnesses like giardia from consuming untreated water could have a negative impact.
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Other Dangers Found in Untreated Water
Another risk that dogs face when consuming untreated water is cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These are tiny bacteria that cause the surface of lakes to look like pea soup. Not all of them are toxic, but when they are, a pet can die from a few gulps of contaminated water. Freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and brackish water ecosystems all contain blue-green algae.
It’s common to find antifreeze on the ground because it’s used to control the temperature of your car’s engine. Even though the water’s flavor and aroma are sweet, it is best to avoid drinking this mixture because on rainy days, the water can drag and stagnate, looking very alluring to a thirsty dog.
Dogs can consume poisonous antifreeze while also ingesting untreated water from a street puddle. A single sip could result in fatal kidney failure and irreversible kidney damage.
Dogs can drink untreated water, but doing so exposes them to a number of risks that are easily avoidable. So it’s best to bring bottled or filtered water from home to hydrate your dog while you’re out and about.
Because dogs can spread diseases to humans, suspected cases need to be handled carefully. Even though the condition can be fatal if left untreated, many dogs benefit from early treatment with supportive care and antibiotics. Pythiosis.
Crypto causes watery diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration. Thankfully, the majority of cases in dogs are mild or subclinical and rarely life-threatening. Symptoms usually resolve within two weeks, with appropriate treatment. Schistosomiasis.
Different types of algal toxins can harm the skin, GI tract, liver, and central nervous system, among other body systems. The symptoms of a toxin exposure in a pet can include rashes, nausea and vomiting, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death. Dogs should not swim in lakes that have apparent algal blooms because it is impossible to tell from a glance whether the algae are producing toxins. Your veterinarian should be notified right away if your pet becomes ill after swimming in a lake that has an algal bloom because in severe cases, death could result. : Eraxion / ThinkstockGiardiasis.
Despite not living in humans, these parasites can worm their way into the skin and result in a rash called “swimmer’s itch.” ” Pseudomonas.
Clinical symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy, are linked to the inflammation brought on by the eggs. The eggs can be found in the feces, but because the inflammatory lesions are chronic, treating them can be difficult.
“We see lots of dogs swimming and drinking river water in the Elbow in our area where we practice, and some of them end up with symptoms that go along with that,” she said.
Veterinarian Heather Pineo with the Marda Loop animal hospital says they see this often.
CALGARY – Residents of Calgary who have dogs that became ill after swimming in the river have expressed some concern on a Facebook group.
When they drink water that contains any particulate matter, such as algae, or when the river has a high coliform count, which can cause bacterial diarrhea and giardia, they may experience diarrheal symptoms. ”.
People who frequent the Sue Huggins off-leash dog park on Southland and Deerfoot shared on the social media platform that they’ve noticed their pups having some runny poops after going for a swim.
FAQ
What should I do if my dog drank river water?
Dogs can swallow the Giardia parasite while swimming and having fun in the water. Visit your veterinarian right away if your dog develops diarrhea after swimming in a lake or river. Since he was a puppy, four and a half-year-old Max has enjoyed being in the water.
What are the symptoms of Giardia in dogs?
Giardia infections can cause diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in both humans and animals. It’s possible to be infected and not show any illness-related symptoms or signs.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs?
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Refusal to eat.
- Severe weakness and depression.
- Stiffness.
- Severe muscle pain.
Can dogs drink moving river water?
Daisy responds: Due to the possibility of parasites, bacteria, and chemicals contamination, it is not advisable for your dogs to drink untreated stream or lake water anywhere. One-celled protozoal parasite Giardia is excreted in the feces of infected animals and can live for months to years in water and soil.