Other Dangers Found in Untreated Water
Cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, is another danger that dogs are exposed to when drinking untreated water. These are microscopic bacteria that give a pea soup appearance to the surface of lakes. Not all of them are toxic, but when they are, just a few gulps of contaminated water can be deadly to a pet. Blue-green algae is found in freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and brackish water ecosystems.
Antifreeze is a substance used to regulate the temperature of your car’s engine, so it is common to find it on the pavement. On a rainy day, the water can drag it and stagnate, looking very attractive to a thirsty dog; and although its flavor and aroma are sweet, it is best to avoid drinking this mixture.
Dogs can drink untreated water from a street puddle and, at the same time, ingest antifreeze, which is poisonous. Even a tiny sip could cause irreversible kidney failure and death.
In conclusion, dogs can drink untreated water, but this exposes them to many risks that can easily be avoided. So, to hydrate your dog on the go, its best to bring bottled or filtered water from home.
What are the symptoms of giardia in dogs?
Symptoms of giardia in both people and dogs can include diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. That said, an infection can be present without symptoms. Not all dogs show symptoms of a giardia infection but when they do the most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Additional signs of giardia in dogs may include:
If your dog has diarrhea that persists beyond 24 hours, or is very sudden and severe, take them to the vet ASAP.
Diagnosis is often made by evaluating fecal material under a microscope. However, this little parasite can be difficult to find. So, in addition, we use a nifty âsnap test,â adding some stool to a solution that gives us a positive or negative result for giardia (like a pregnancy test for poop). This test is very sensitive to the presence of giardia in dogs.
To treat giardia in dogs, veterinarians will typically prescribe a combination of fenbendazole (dewormer) and metronidazole (antibiotic) for about 10 days. In small puppies or dogs sensitive to this antibiotic, a dewormer known as Panacur can be used instead for five to 10 days. Your petâs poop should be retested two to four weeks after finishing the medication.
Most healthy dogs make a full recovery from giardia. In some cases, supportive treatment, including IV fluids and hospitalization, may be required if dehydration or severe diarrhea persists. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for complications, including death. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of treatment.
CALGARY – There’ve been some concerns on a Facebook group among Calgarians whose dogs have gotten sick after a dip in the river.
“Usually if we see a dog that’s been swimming in the river or drinking out of the river and they end up with diarrhea, we’ll do a fecal test for giardia organisms and if they’re there, it’s a very simple oral treatment.”
“They can have symptoms of diarrhea, either just from consumption of water that contains any particulate matter to algae or sometimes the river has a high coliform count which can lead to bacterial diarrhea, giardia, as well.”
“In our area with our practice near the river, we see lots of dogs swimming and drinking the river water in the Elbow and some of them end up with symptoms that go along with that,” she said.
She says there can be some communication of giardia from dogs to humans, but it typically only happens with the immuno-compromised.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs (Without a Trip to the Vet)
CALGARY – There’ve been some concerns on a Facebook group among Calgarians whose dogs have gotten sick after a dip in the river.
People who frequent the Sue Huggins off-leash dog park on Southland and Deerfoot shared on the social media platform that they’ve noticed their pups having some runny poops after going for a swim.
Veterinarian Heather Pineo with the Marda Loop animal hospital says they see this often.
“In our area with our practice near the river, we see lots of dogs swimming and drinking the river water in the Elbow and some of them end up with symptoms that go along with that,” she said.
“They can have symptoms of diarrhea, either just from consumption of water that contains any particulate matter to algae or sometimes the river has a high coliform count which can lead to bacterial diarrhea, giardia, as well.”
She says there can be some communication of giardia from dogs to humans, but it typically only happens with the immuno-compromised.
If your dog does get sick–and if the vet finds the bacteria–Pineo says it’s just a simple treatment.
“Usually if we see a dog that’s been swimming in the river or drinking out of the river and they end up with diarrhea, we’ll do a fecal test for giardia organisms and if they’re there, it’s a very simple oral treatment.”
She says if your dog has been swimming lately and has had diarrhea for a couple days or is vomiting or lethargic, you should call your vet.