Don’t Let Your Dog Drink Puddle Water

Just picture it — you and your dog have just finished an intense walk or run, and all your pooch wants is a fresh drink of water. Luckily, it just rained outside, so your dog pauses, leans over, and takes a giant gulp of water from the nearest puddle. While many dog owners don’t see the harm in allowing their dogs to drink from puddles, puddle water can actually be very dangerous for dogs to drink. Here’s why:

Giardia

Giardia are microscopic protozoa that inhabit intestinal tracts of many animals. The infectious strands of these protozoa can be released in animals’ feces and easily contaminate water sources, which is why it is highly recommended that hikers drink only filtered water. Our dogs are perhaps even more vulnerable to the infection than us humans, since they tend to share water with other animals more frequently than we do. Puddles, therefore, are extremely risky for dogs to drink from, since they can contain infectious giardia organisms. Additionally, studies have shown that dogs that attend dog parks are more likely to test positive for giardia than those who do not attend dog parks, so you should try to have your own water source for your dog at all times. Giardia can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in your dog, and can be easily treated by metronidazole and fenbendazole.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely toxic for dogs, as antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which causes extreme and often irreversible kidney damage. Consuming antifreeze can lead to loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even coma or seizures. Diagnosis of consumption of antifreeze depends on urine and blood testing, but many dogs often do not survive. Antifreeze producers have recently made their products more bitter, and thus less enticing for dogs, but if diluted in a large puddle, your dog may not heed the bitter taste and stop drinking. This makes antifreeze puddles a huge risk to your dog’s health. When you’re in parking lots or near cars, take extra efforts to prevent your dog from drinking from these puddles.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis are bacteria that live in wet climates, making puddles the perfect environment for them to thrive. Wild animals like deer and rodents, and domesticated animals like cows, sheep, and pigs can be carriers of leptospirosis. Dogs can contract leptospirosis from drinking water contaminated with urine from infected animals, and if they do consume the bacteria, symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Leptospirosis commonly causes kidney failure, so can be diagnosed through blood and urine testing. While your dog can be vaccinated against leptospirosis, antibiotics and supplemental fluids can be prescribed if they do end up contracting the disease. Discuss treatment and immunization options with your vet and you can decide what is the best option for you.

The risks of disease and health issues posed by puddles makes them very dangerous for dogs. Keep your curious pooch away from puddles to make sure they aren’t consuming something that could put their health and wellbeing at risk.