Can My Dog Drink from a Stream?

Exploring the great outdoors with your canine companion can be a blast. You both get to experience the beauty of nature while also getting in the exercise that you both need to stay active and healthy. But while out and about, your pooch might get a bit thirsty and start heading towards a stream to get a bit of water. As a pet parent, you should make sure you never let your pup drink from streams, and here’s why.

The Dangers of Your Dog Drinking From Streams

There are microscopic organisms that live in bodies of water, like streams that can leave your pup feeling seriously ill. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two of those tiny bugs that can and will cause your furry friend to have gastrointestinal issues. Drinking stream water could also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms that can have your dog feeling down for days or weeks. If you have a senior or sick dog, these symptoms can become even worse, leading to possible complications that their bodies aren’t able to handle.

Always Carry Enough Water For the Both of You

Whenever going on a hike or even a walk that’s long or especially hot, bring enough water that will keep both you and your canine hydrated. Also, consider bringing a portable dog bowl that Fido can easily drink out of, or water bottles specifically made for canines.

You can also bring a filtration device to filter water from streams and lakes if you don’t want to carry all that water. However, it’s important to know that filtering your water takes time, so it can reduce the amount of ground you can cover safely.

Sure, your pooch could drink from a stream and receive no negative effects, maybe they already have before. But, that doesn’t mean you should risk it and allow them to drink from streams in the future. One small lap of water could leave your pooch in an emergency veterinarian’s office, and you definitely want to avoid that at all costs. So, always play it safe and bring your own clean water!