Introduction
Nothing beats a relaxing swim on a hot summer day. For our canine companions, jumping into a pond, lake, or river provides welcome relief and a chance to splash around and have fun. But before you let your dog take a dip, it’s important to be aware of the potential health hazards lurking beneath the surface.
Swimming comes with some risks even for healthy dogs. However, dogs with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to getting sick from bacteria, parasites, and toxins in the water. In this article, we’ll discuss the common illnesses dogs can develop after swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans. We’ll also provide tips on how to keep your dog safe and what to watch out for after a swimming session.
Common Illnesses
Dogs can get a variety of illnesses from swimming and drinking contaminated lake water. Some of the most common include ear infections, skin infections, eye infections, and parasitic infections.[1][2]
Swimming can introduce bacteria, parasites, and irritants into a dog’s ears, leading to painful ear infections. The most common culprit is pseudomonas bacteria. Dogs with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels are more prone to ear infections.[3]
Bacteria, fungi, and parasites in the water can cause skin irritations and infections around a dog’s legs, belly, and chin. These present as red, itchy skin or pustules on the skin. Stagnant lake water is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Lake water may have bacteria and parasites that can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis. Dogs’ eyes may appear red, swollen, and have discharge coming from them after swimming in contaminated water.[1]
Giardia, cryptosporidium, and leptospirosis are common waterborne parasites that infect dogs who drink or swim in contaminated water. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.[2][4]
Bacteria
Swimming and drinking from lakes or ponds can expose dogs to harmful bacteria that can make them ill. Some of the most common bacteria found in lakes that can infect dogs include E. coli, Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and Giardia [1].
E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals that can contaminate water sources. While most strains are harmless, some can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections in dogs that ingest contaminated water [2].
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals. Dogs can contract it by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. It attacks the kidney and liver and causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice [3].
Salmonella infection can occur from exposure to Salmonella bacteria in feces-contaminated water. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Some dogs may not show any symptoms. Salmonella is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from dogs to humans [4].
Giardia is a single-celled parasite contracted through contaminated water or feces. It causes foul-smelling diarrhea along with vomiting, gas, greasy stools, and weight loss. Giardia can be difficult to diagnose and treat [5].
Blue-Green Algae
Certain types of blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) produce toxins that can have severe adverse health effects on dogs if ingested. Dogs can come into contact with these toxins by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “Exposure to toxins produced by these bacteria can be life-threatening to dogs, humans and other animals. There is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning.”
The toxins produced by blue-green algae can cause liver damage and neurological symptoms in dogs. As noted by VCA Hospitals, “Blue-green algae can produce hepatotoxins (liver toxins), neurotoxins (central nervous system toxins), or dermatoxins (irritant toxins).” The liver toxins in particular can lead to severe and potentially fatal liver failure in dogs. The neurological toxins can cause various symptoms related to the central nervous system like seizures, paralysis and respiratory failure.
It’s critical to prevent dogs from exposure to waters contaminated with blue-green algae and to seek prompt veterinary treatment if poisoning is suspected. Some key signs of blue-green algae poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, weakness, disorientation, breathing issues and liver failure.
Prevention
The best way to prevent your dog from getting sick from lake or stagnant water is to take precautions.
First, check for any water quality reports in your area before allowing your dog to swim or drink from natural bodies of water. Many local health departments monitor bacteria levels and issue warnings if contamination is found.[1] Avoid bodies of water if high bacteria levels are reported.
Also avoid stagnant water sources like ponds or standing puddles, as these areas allow microbes to easily grow and multiply. Flowing water sources like streams are less likely to have dangerously high bacteria levels.[2]
Finally, thoroughly rinse your dog with clean water after swimming to wash away any potential contaminants on their coat and skin.[3] Towel drying is not enough – use fresh water to decrease risk of illness.
Signs of Illness
Some common signs of illness that dogs may experience after swimming in lakes include:
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Vomiting – Consuming contaminated water can cause nausea and vomiting in dogs. Protozoal parasites like Giardia can infect the intestinal tract and lead to vomiting. Bacterial infections like leptospirosis can also result in vomiting.
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Diarrhea – Parasites, bacteria, and toxins found in lakes can cause inflammation and irritation of the intestinal tract. This often manifests as diarrhea, which may be watery or contain blood or mucus. Diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration in dogs. [1]
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Fatigue – Infections sap a dog’s energy and vitality. Dogs with waterborne illnesses may appear lethargic or lack interest in play and exercise. Fatigue often accompanies systemic infections like leptospirosis. [2]
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Skin Irritation – Contact with contaminated water can cause skin issues like rashes, scabs, and itchiness. Parasites may burrow into the skin. Bacterial infections can also manifest with skin lesions. Blue-green algae is known to cause rashes and hives in dogs.
When to See a Vet
If your dog shows persistent symptoms or the illness seems to be getting worse instead of better within a day or so, it’s time to see a vet. Certain symptoms are cause for immediate concern. These include:
- Neurological problems like loss of balance, disorientation, seizures, or paralysis
- Breathing issues like coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, or blue/purple gums
“Dogs that develop any breathing problems like coughing or wheezing after swimming should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately,” says Dr. Zach Marteney, DVM at Meadow Hills Veterinary Center (https://wagwalking.com/condition/lake-water-dangers). Breathing issues can escalate quickly, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial.
Neurological symptoms may signal a central nervous system infection or inflammation related to bacteria, parasites, or blue-green algae exposure. According to veterinarians, these neurological signs warrant an urgent vet visit as well (https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/swimming-safety-rivers-lakes-oceans).
While many post-swim illnesses can be managed at home, neurological and breathing issues require professional veterinary assessment and rapid treatment. Don’t delay in these situations – seek same-day veterinary care right away.
Treatment
The primary treatment for illnesses caused by contaminated lake or river water is antibiotics, anti-parasitics, and IV fluids.
Antibiotics such as doxycycline are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections like leptospirosis. They work by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria.
Anti-parasitic medications kill intestinal parasites like giardia that can be picked up from drinking stagnant or contaminated water. Common options include metronidazole and fenbendazole.
IV fluids help restore hydration and electrolyte balances, which can become disrupted from vomiting and diarrhea. Severely dehydrated dogs may need to be hospitalized for more intensive IV fluid therapy.
With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery. However, certain strains of leptospirosis can potentially lead to kidney or liver failure if left untreated. That’s why it’s critical to see a vet right away if your dog becomes ill after swimming or drinking from lakes, ponds, or slow-moving streams.
Recovery Process
The recovery process for a dog who has gotten sick from lake or stagnant water focuses on rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. It’s important for the dog to get plenty of rest and sleep as their body fights off the infection. Make sure they have a comfortable place to relax and try to limit their activity while ill.
Staying hydrated is also key during recovery. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and encourage the dog to drink frequently. You can mix in bone broth or low-sodium chicken stock to encourage more drinking. Avoid giving sugary drinks. If the dog is showing signs of dehydration like lethargy or dry gums, contact your vet.
Feeding a bland, easy-to-digest diet will allow the GI system to rest and recover. Boiled chicken and white rice is a good choice. Probiotic supplements can also help restore good gut bacteria. When the dog is feeling better, transition back to their regular food slowly over several days.
Monitor the dog closely during recovery. Look for signs of improvement like increased energy, normal eating and drinking, and stool returning to normal. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or get worse. Most dogs make a full recovery within a few weeks with proper care and rest.
Conclusion
Dogs can absolutely get sick from swimming in lakes or ponds, especially if the water contains harmful bacteria or blue-green algae. The most common illnesses are skin, ear, and gastrointestinal infections. While most are treatable if caught early, some can be fatal. That’s why prevention is so important.
Don’t let your dog drink or swim in questionable water. Check for signs of contamination and be on the lookout for symptoms afterwards. With proper care, you can let your pup safely enjoy the water without risking their health.
Though scary, educating yourself is the best way to avoid these illnesses. Know what to look for and when to see the vet. With vigilance and caution, swimming can still be a fun summer activity for our furry friends.