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You may be on a hike with your dog near a beautiful pond. If he’s thirsty, there’s a good chance your canine companion will lap up quite a bit of pond water. Is there any harm in letting him drink this water?
Has your dog drunk pond water? Are you worried the pond water will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog drinks something like this.
We’ve put together some information about pond water and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Pond Water?
Pond water is found in small bodies of water—they’re usually smaller than a lake. What’s more, ponds tend to be shallower than lakes, making them prone to grow certain types of plants. They also make a great home for some types of critters.
The problem is that Pond water can contain microorganisms that can make a dog very sick. Here’s a list of the types of things that can be found in pond water:
- Coliform bacteria
- Cryptosporidium
- Giardia
- Leptospira
- Cyanobacteria
- Amoeba
- Flatworms
That’s a list of nasties that’s enough to not make you want to eat! So, you can imagine how they might affect your dog!
Symptoms of Pond Water Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has drunk pond water:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Stiffness
- Fever
- And more
Call the vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog after he drinks pond water. Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms improve or worsen over time. He needs to see the vet sooner rather than later.
Some of the illnesses caused by pond water can make a dog very sick. And dogs who are not treated right away also have a chance of developing secondary infections, which may be worse than the initial infection.
Remember that prevention is better than your dog becoming horribly sick! So, always pack plenty of freshwater for you and your dog when out on a long walk or hike.
The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical care have the best chance of making a full recovery! So, keep your fur baby from drinking pond water. Pack fresh water for you both. You’ll both be happier with this decision!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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