Water borne diseases is something that dog’s and other pets are extremely susceptible to during the monsoon season. Due to the weather change, there is a rise in bacteria and parasites in water bodies such as lakes, streams, and puddles.
Dogs are also more prone to get gastrointestinal and stomach related disorders during this time.
While dogs go for walks outside and often like to dip their paws in puddles, splash, and even drink from them, it is best that this is avoided.
Travelling and letting your dog swim in streams where you don’t know about the water composition is also a potential health hazard.
Water filled potholes where stray dogs drink from are also a cause for leading infections like gastroenteritis and E-Canis (Ehrlichia canis) from infected ticks. One can never say what bacteria is breeding and forming in public water bodies without an actual water composition test.
With contaminated water your dog could exhibit the following symptoms due to the high bacterial content- vomiting, loose stools, bloody stools, and extreme fatigue.
Leptospirosis is a common waterborne disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira.
Dogs at highest risk are those who swim in stagnant bodies of water, rivers, lakes, and shallow streams.
infection usually occurs when a cut or mucous duct comes into contact with contaminated urine or water. The dog and even their pet parent might not even be aware of the cut, so it is important that you regularly check your dog’s body for any abnormalities and prevent them from swimming during peak monsoon season.
Fever, muscle tenderness, shivering, vomiting, changes in urination, jaundice, and kidney failure are just some of the signs seen- and life threatening if left untreated.
Dog’s swimming in lakes should be careful of the blue green algae as some found underwater are quite fatal. They are usually found floating on the top of the lake and even in distant depths.
While one might consider the algae in water bodies harmless and often overlook it, this is what causes a number of infections both in human beings and dogs.
Not only is certain algae toxic, it can be detrimental if your dog’s legs or paws get trapped in them, as this can lead to drowning and even death.
Algal toxins come in a variety of forms and can affect any of the skin, liver, and central nervous system of pets.
Symptoms of infection dog’s might experience are skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting, at times respiratory failure, and in some rare cases seizures.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium and this parasite is dangerous as it can stay in water for long periods of time due to its outer shell.
Crypto causes watery diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration, however, can be treated if intervention is met in a timely manner. This condition can be painful for your dog, and without the right intervention can even lead to death.
Lastly Giardiasis which causes dogs to vomit, have non-stop diarrhea, and even weight loss often occurs when dogs unintentionally swallow the parasite in its cystic stage.
Giardiasis can be transmitted by eating or sniffing the cysts from contaminated ground, or by drinking contaminated water. Since our dogs are avid sniffers and the nose is the way through which they experience the world, it is important to keep a check on what your dog sniffs and where they swim in.
Always rush your dog to the nearest vet if you suspect they have a water borne issue. Often difficult to spot but be aware of the signs and symptoms so that treatment is given at the right time.
