Don’t drink the water – Outdoor water sources can cause a multitude of problems such as giardia, parasites, Leptospirosis, and toxicity from blue green algae. Unfortunately, chemicals may also be present in the lake due to run-off. Drinking water from a pond or lake is a big no-no.
The arrival of summer brings the ideal weather for outdoor activities. The Pawsitively Intrepid family spends a lot of time hiking and backpacking during the summer. Heat and hiking plus dogs means carrying lots of water. If you frequently hike with your dog, you may have wondered if your dog can drink directly from the lake or stream nearby. This may be because you want to lighten the weight of your pack or simply because your dog enjoys spending a lot of time in the lakes and rivers along your hike.
Dogs can, and frequently do, drink water from lakes, rivers, streams, puddles, and ponds that has not been filtered. It can be nearly impossible to stop a dog from drinking water if they enjoy swimming. However, dogs who drink untreated water face the same health risks as people. Dogs should not drink untreated/unfiltered water directly from a lake or river as a result.
Find out what illnesses your dog can contract from contaminated water in the following paragraphs, as well as why and how you should treat or filter the water you give it when using a natural water source.
Can drinking from lake water or puddles make dogs sick?
Dogs who drink untreated water run the risk of contracting specific illnesses. The most typical ailments brought on by ingesting stagnant or untreated water are listed below.
Giardia is a protozoan that affects humans and is sometimes referred to as “beaver fever.” The majority of the symptoms that dogs experience when they have the parasite are stomach-related, including vomiting that can dehydrate the dog, weight loss, and foul-smelling, intermittent chronic diarrhea.
Drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, standing puddles, and even rainwater can cause dogs to contract giardia.
Leptospira bacteria can be found in both soil and water, but infections from the latter seem to be more common. Like people, dogs can get sick from consuming contaminated water from lakes, rivers, streams, and other sources.
Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, sore muscles, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue, but it can also result in liver or kidney failure.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a protozoan called Cryptosporidium. It can be excreted in the feces of both domestic and wild animals, contaminating lakes and rivers. This infection usually causes diarrhea in dogs.
Dogs can also get Escherichia coli from consuming untreated water, especially from lakes and ponds. The symptoms of E. Additionally to causing ear and urinary infections, coli infections also cause diarrhea and stomach pain. It’s worth noting that pets can also contract E. coli by swimming in contaminated water.
A water mold called Pythium insidiosum is the source of the illness Pythiosis. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss as a result, and infected wounds that are challenging to heal are some of its symptoms. Dogs who drink untreated water directly from ponds, swamps, and lakes are at a high risk of getting this mold because it is common there.
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.
Carry water from home along on a hike
We advise bringing your dog’s water with you if you are going on a day hike or a brief overnight backpacking trip. Yes, this adds weight to your pack, but it may prevent serious diarrhea and other health problems in the future.
Check out our article, “5 Useful Styles of Dog Hiking Water Bowls,” if you’re looking for some great water bottles or bowls for hiking dogs.
FAQ
What happens if my dog drinks lake water?
The most common dangers in lake water are blue-green algae, parasites, bacteria, and saltwater toxicity, but they can also include drowning and illness. A small amount of contaminated water can cause fatal symptoms or only mild symptoms like stomach pain when consumed or inhaled.
Should I let my dog swim in a lake?
Lake: For dogs, larger lakes can be entertaining and generally secure places. Avoid lakes with surface algae because it can be toxic and cause GI upset as well as ear/eye irritation. Keep an eye out for potentially dangerous debris along the shore and stay away from any water that seems stagnant, dirty, or to contain trash or debris.
Can swimming in a lake make a dog sick?
After swimming in and ingesting toxic algae-contaminated water, dogs have severely ill and even died. Don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water if there is a lake, pond, or river that has thick, vividly colored foam or scum!
Can dogs drink river or lake water?
Bring fresh water for your dog. Your dog will want to drink from a lake or a river, but it’s safer for him to drink from a container you bring from home. You’ll lower his risk of coming into contact with potentially harmful bacteria and parasites like giardia as well as the likelihood of minor stomach issues. Watch for glass and metal.