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ATLANTA – Lakes and rivers are a challenge for dogs during these hot summer days, but as we head into the end of summer, you may want to think twice about letting your dog enter certain bodies of water.
On Wednesday, Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Ebony Deon. You understand why you should carefully examine your dog before you let him enter the water.
Most dogs love going in the water. It brings them happiness, but doctors say they can cause pain.
Keeping your dog safe is as simple as watching the water.
Margaret Watkins said her dog didn’t want to go in the water, but she saw other dogs having fun.
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“As a responsible dog owner, you have to know. If the water doesn’t look clean to you, it’s not clean for your dog,” Watkins said.
If your dog heads straight for the water, stop, says Dr. Kevin Winkler, veterinarian and medical director of Blue Pearl Hospital. Winkler said dogs can suffer from some of the same dangers in freshwater as humans.
“The most common we see is leptospirosis, a bacteria that can cause kidney and liver failure,” Winkler said.
It is found in many bodies of water and is transmitted through the feces of wild animals, domestic animals, and livestock.
“It’s no different when you get in the trash, vomit, diarrhea, diarrhea can have blood in it,” Winkler said.
Your dog’s gums may turn yellow or the urine may turn orange.
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“These are all signs of liver failure, and that’s definitely something you want to seek immediate attention,” Winkler said.
The dangers are not limited to swimming. If your dog drinks from contaminated water, it will be exposed to any infectious or toxic substances in the water.
When Watkins goes for a walk, she takes her own water for her dog Murphy to drink.
“I have a really nice little canteen with a little attached dog food,” Watkins said.
The biggest thing to consider when you are outdoors with your dog is water quality. The more likely it is to become infected, the more likely it is to become infected.
Pay attention to your dog’s surroundings. If you notice a change in your dog within 24-48 hours of spending time outdoors, have it checked by a veterinarian.
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