Is it Safe for My Dog to Drink from a Stream?

Hiking and having outdoor adventures with your furry friend are fantastic ways to spend time together! But, can Fido drink from the stream for a refreshing drink? Sit Means Sit has the answer:

How Do I Know Whether Water is Safe for My Dog?

Experts say the best way to protect dogs is to keep them away from outdoor bodies of water (ponds, lakes, sluggish rivers, even bird baths), especially in hot weather. That means keeping them leashed when adventuring outdoors. Do not let your dogs drink from stagnant water. If you take your dog swimming, they’re going to drink water and you can’t stop that, but be sure to bathe or rinse them afterward and only swim in clean places that are known to be safe.

Avoid water with obvious blue-green algae blooms, which can look like shimmery paint or slime sitting on the water’s surface. Do not let your dog drink from these bodies of water even if it’s been a while since they’ve had a drink.

Dangers of Stream Water

Streams can contain microorganisms that can make your pup sick. The untreated water may contain bugs that will cause your pup to have symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms that can make your dog ill for days. Additionally, older dogs can develop complications from these bugs that will be too rough on their bodies. We hate to see our fur babies sick and not their usual energetic and bouncy spirit.

Common Waterborne Pathogens Affecting Dogs

• Leptospirosis – treatable but can be fatal in severe cases
• Giardiasis – treatable with good long-term outcomes
• Pythiosis – rare, but serious and often fatal
• Protothecosis – in immunosuppressed dogs can be fatal

Environmental Contaminants in Fresh Water Sources

Bacteria.

• Water that’s contaminated with animal or human waste can contain bacteria, including species of salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Leptospira.

Blue-green algae.

• As their name suggests, they are often blue-green in color, but can also be green, blue, yellow, reddish-purple, or brown. Blue-green algae also grow in ponds, slow-moving streams, and standing water (e.g., bird baths and backyard decorative ponds or fountains). These algae contain poisonous toxins that can cause serious illness or death, even after drinking only a mouthful or two.

Parasites.

• Outdoor water sources are also sources for parasites, including species of the protozoans Giardia and cryptosporidium. There can be microscopic organisms lurking in the clearest-looking waters. If your dog gets diarrhea after a day on the water, one of these may be the culprit.

Chemicals.

• Outdoor bodies of water can not only contain surface runoff from surrounding lands, such as pesticides and herbicides, but other chemicals like gasoline and oil from boaters.

Salt.

• Consuming a little bit of ocean salt water probably won’t hurt your dog, but large amounts of it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Dogs drinking ocean water may also experience diarrhea.

Safety Tips for Dogs Drinking from Streams

• Considering the potential dangers lurking in natural water sources, it is crucial to provide safer alternatives to our pets. During outdoor activities, carry fresh water for both yourself and your pet to avoid the need for them to drink from uncertain water sources. There are some easy ways to filter water on the go that might be worth considering, as well.
• If your dog likes to swim, always take them to clean bodies of water that are known to be safe for swimming. Take your dog to the vet annually for an exam and fecal test to check for parasites, and ask your vet if they recommend the leptospirosis vaccine for your dogs.

Potential Risks Caused by Dogs Drinking Untreated Water

Giardia

• Giardia is a protozoan that causes what is sometimes called “beaver fever” in humans. When dogs contract the parasite, they experience mostly stomach symptoms: foul-smelling, intermittent chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting that can leave the dog dehydrated.
• Dogs can become infected with giardia by drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, and even from standing puddles and rainwater.

Leptospira

• The Leptospira bacteria can be found both in the soil and water, although infections seem to be more numerous from the latter. Like humans, dogs can become infected by drinking water from a lake, river, stream, and other contaminated sources.
• symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle tenderness, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, but it can also lead to kidney failure and/or liver failure.

Cryptosporidium

• Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a protozoan called Cryptosporidium. Both wild and domestic animals can excrete it in their feces and contaminate water sources such as lakes and rivers. This infection usually causes diarrhea in dogs.

Escherichia coli

• Escherichia coli is another bacteria dogs can contract from drinking untreated water, especially from lakes and ponds. The symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea and stomach pain, but it can also cause urinary and ear infections. It’s worth noting that pets can also contract E. coli by swimming in contaminated water.

Pythium insidiosum

• Pythium insidiosum is a water mold that causes a disease called pythiosis. Its symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, consequent weight loss, and suppurating wounds that are difficult to heal. This mold is common in ponds, swamps, and lakes, so dogs that drink untreated water directly from these sites are at high risk of contracting it.

Hydration Solutions to Keep Your Dog Safe

So, how can you keep your pup hydrated while on adventures? One option is to carry a water bottle for your pup. This way you can ensure that your pal has access to clean drinking water at all times. Additionally, these bottles make it easy for your companion to drink from the bottle. If you don’t want to travel long distances with large quantities of water, a water bottle with a filter is a great way to ensure safe drinking water. Then, you can fill the bottle with water from the stream and the filter will do the rest. Also, be sure to carry enough water for both of you!

Spending time with your furry friend is so important. Also, ensuring their safety is equally as crucial! So, the next time you are going adventuring with your pal, play it safe and do not let them drink from the stream. Instead, carry water that is safe for them to drink. Now get out there and have some fun!