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Rain is usually a very welcome thing, especially when you live in a dry area! When rain falls, it tends to flow into small streams and rivers. It can also gather in puddles and containers. But what happens if a dog drinks rainwater? Can rainwater make a dog sick?
Has your dog drunk rainwater? Are you worried the rainwater 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 rainwater and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Rainwater?
Rainwater comes from rain. Rain is made from drops of water that fall from clouds, which is an entire process in itself! Rain comes down to water the earth, our gardens, farm crops, and much more. It’s also the source of our drinking water, in many cases. We can’t live without the rain.
When rain falls, it either flows or gathers in different places. For instance, it may gather into puddles, containers left outside (such as the saucers of potted plants), and more.
But what happens if a dog drinks rainwater? Can rainwater make a dog sick?
Rainwater & Dogs
Unfortunately, dogs should not drink standing rainwater. A lick or two will probably not make him sick. However, drinking more rainwater could make your dog very sick.
The problem is that rain may fall in areas where chemicals are found. For instance, potted plants fertilized with chemical fertilizers can leave a residue in the plant’s saucer. Another problem is rainwater in puddles.
If the puddles are on the street, the rainwater may include chemicals from cars and other sources (including antifreeze, oil, and more). And even puddles on a sidewalk could contain chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxins.
But that’s not all! Puddles of rainwater standing anywhere outside could also contain biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, and other nasties. These can make a dog very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Rainwater Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has drunk rainwater:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet right away. This could be an emergency.
Don’t want to see if your dog’s symptoms improve or get worse. Keep in mind that it can take a while for symptoms to show up. It’s important to take action when you notice the symptoms.
When you talk to the vet, let them know what’s happened. Tell them approximately how much rainwater your dog drank and when this happened.
The good news is dogs who receive prompt medical treatment will make a full recovery. But the key is to get your dog the help he needs ASAP.
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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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