Like humans, dogs can become infected by drinking water from a lake, river, stream, and other contaminated sources. Dogs that are exposed to water contaminated with the bacteria can develop a life-threatening illness called acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI occurs when the kidneys fail to function properly, causing the dog to become dehydrated and eventually die.
Dogs that have been treated with antibiotics can recover from the disease. However, if the infection is not treated, the animal can die within a few days of the onset of symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Can lake water make my dog sick?
Don’t let your dog go near any body of water that is greenish-blue, olive green, or red. The three most common are giardia, which can cause abdominal pain, and leptospirosis, which can cause vomiting and other symptoms. below)
- Dogs should not be allowed to swim in rivers
- Streams
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Creeks
- Swamps
- Marshes
- Estuaries
- Bays
- Canals
- Ditches
- Reservoirs
- Springs
fountains or any other water body that appears to be green or blue.
They should be kept out of the water at all times. If you see a dog swimming in a river or stream, do not approach it. Instead, call your local animal control agency and report the incident to them.
Why Can dogs drink lake water?
They are found in freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and brackish water environments. They can produce toxins that can affect the people and animals that swim in and drink from the water. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the reaction. The most common symptom is a sudden onset of severe chest pain and shortness of breath.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the person may have a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, rapid breathing, seizures, coma or even death.
How do you know if a lake is safe for dogs?
Larger lakes can be a fun and generally safe place for dogs. Avoid lakes with algae on the surface, as this can be toxic, causing ear/eye irritation and GI upset. If the water appears stagnant, dirty, or contains dead fish, watch the shore for hazardous debris and steer clear.
Erie is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. It is also one of the most polluted, with high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen. below)
- The lake is home to a variety of fish species
- Perch
- Bass
- Walleye
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Sturgeon
- Muskellunge
- Shad
- Flounder
- Herring
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Anchovies
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Clams
- Bluegill
- Oysters
- Mussels
If you are planning a trip to the lake, be sure to bring plenty of food and water for your dog.
Should I wash my dog after swimming in the lake?
If the dog romps in salt water such as the ocean or a bay, or in lakes, streams, and ponds with unknown high bacterial loads or other potential forms of dirt or contaminants, you should rinse him or her thoroughly with clean water.
What happens if my dog drinks pond water?
Any bodies of standing water including small lakes, ponds and even puddles can be a source of harmful bacteria and parasites for your pet. Giardia is one of the most common examples of parasites. If you suspect your dog or cat has been exposed to any of these parasites, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can dogs get parvo from lake water?
The parvo disease can be found in the lake sand. I know if my dog has been exposed to parvovirus in the past? . Parvo can be passed from one dog to another, but it is more likely to be transmitted from a dog that has not been vaccinated against the disease. If you suspect your dog is infected, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your veterinarian will be able to perform a thorough examination of the dog’s mouth and throat, as well as perform an oral swab test to determine if the virus is present. This test can also be performed at a veterinary hospital. The results of this test will help determine the best course of action for your pet.
