Summer is a perfect time for trips to the lake or seaside with your dog! Especially this year, when many travel options and plans have been cancelled or limited due to the pandemic. Spending time out near the water with your favorite pup seems like a great alternative. But…water can harbor hidden dangers that can be life threatening. Read up on these hazards to help keep your dog safe.
Blue Green Algae
Cyanobacteria, or Blue Green Algae, is common in fresh water sources during warm, sunny weather. Often the water appears to have a pea-soup green color or film on the surface, but if there is significant wind this can all be swept to one side of the pond and collect against the shoreline. Blue green algae is severely toxic and dogs can become exposed through drinking or merely swimming in contaminated water.
Symptoms include seizures, confusion, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur!
The best option is to prevent access to any standing fresh water during warm weather. It’s also a good idea to give your dog a bath after swimming as blue green algae can attach to their coat and be ingested at a later time by licking their fur.
For more information on blue green algae, check out these websites:
Pet Poison Helpline: Blue Green Algae
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacteria shed in the urine of wildlife that can affect dogs and even people. Dogs usually become exposed by drinking water that contains the bacteria, especially in lakes or streams. (I once saw a case where both the dog and the owner contracted leptospirosis after splashing through puddles after a rainstorm!) Once a dog becomes infected, the bacteria can cause severe illness and even death by damaging the kidneys and liver. And infected dogs can infect other animals and people as well!
Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a yellow color to the skin/eyes/mucus membranes. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur! With quick and aggressive treatment, there is potential for recovery from leptospirosis, but the disease can be fatal if left untreated.
The best option is to make sure that dogs at risk are vaccinated regularly for leptospirosis and limit access to water sources especially where there is a heavy wildlife presence.
For more information on leptospirosis, check out these websites:
American Veterinary Medical Association: Leptospirosis
Merck Veterinary Manual: Leptospirosis
Veterinary Partner: Leptospirosis
Salt Toxicity
Sea water can pose additional hazards due to its high salt content. If dogs drink large amounts of sea water, without access to fresh water to balance out the salt content, they can show signs of salt toxicity.
These symptoms include vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, and tremors. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur! If the sodium levels are elevated on bloodwork, dogs will often need to be placed on IV fluids to lower these back within the normal range.
The best option is to discourage drinking of sea water and to always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
For more information on salt toxicity, check out these websites:
AKC: Is it dangerous for dogs to drink salt water?
Pet Poison Helpline: Salt Toxicity
Fish Hooks
It is not uncommon to find lost or discarded fish hooks near bodies of water. Unfortunately, dogs don’t understand that fish hooks are sharp and these can become imbedded in a dog’s skin while they are exploring and playing. Most commonly, dogs get fish hooks stuck in their muzzles, mouths, and feet though they can become stuck pretty much anywhere on the dog.
If you notice a fish hook stuck in your pet’s flesh, do not try to remove it yourself! Pulling out a fish hook can cause serious damage and fish hook wounds routinely become infected. Seek medical attention so that the hook can be surgically removed and your dog started on appropriate antibiotics.
Drowning/Near Drowning
Drowning or near drowning is surprisingly common in dogs. Not all dogs are good swimmers…and even great swimmers can become fatigued or caught up in an unexpected current.
Always observe your dog while they are swimming. Allow them to swim in shallow and protected environments before letting them into more challenging areas. Always swim in safe locations free from debris, swift currents, etc. Consider a life jacket for your pup.
If your dog has a close call, make sure to see medical attention immediately! Near drownings can cause serious complications and even death if they are not treated appropriately.
