Be Wary of the Water

The prospect of cool water on a warm day is irresistible to any dog.

Whether it’s a backyard swimming pool or a country lake, an ornamental pond in a dog park or a dog bowl placed on the sidewalk by a well-meaning store.

Tempting, definitely. Harmful, possibly.

For beneath the glinting surface of the water lie potential dangers. Microscopic organisms which can threaten your dog’s health and even his life.

The most common are Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Found in fresh water, even standing puddles, these parasites cause gastro-intestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) as well as more serious problems.

Leptospirosis, although less common, is more dangerous, and is found in contaminated water sources.

Blue-green algae is more obvious because of its colour, foul smell and the foam or scum it forms on the surface of both fresh and brackish waters.

Avoidance is the best protection. By following these basic rules, you can protect both yourself and your dog from harm.

  • Don’t allow your dog to drink out of the garden hose because of the possible combination of leaching plastic, chlorine and fluoride.
  • Don’t allow your dog to swim in a chlorinated pool. Provide him with a wading pool filled with fresh water instead.
  • Don’t allow your dog to drink out of public or shared dog water bowls. Whatever one dog’s left behind, another will inherit.
  • Don’t allow your dog to drink from potentially harmful puddles, ponds, streams, lakes or rivers. They may be contaminated with lawn and/or farming chemicals.
  • Don’t allow your dog to swim in ponds, streams, lakes or rivers which may be contaminated with lawn and/or farming chemicals.

If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to any of these toxins, consult your vet immediately.

Summer, as a season, is short enough without an illness souring its sweetness.