Understand 5 deadly water hazards that could harm your dog
The sun is shining, the air is warm, you’re out for a walk, and the water is the perfect spot for your pup to have a quick swim to cool down. But the news about dogs dying after they play in water contaminated with toxic algae terrifies you.
A million things run through your mind as you try to figure out if it’s safe to let your dog jump in the water.
We’ve put together our top five hazards around water for dogs to help you stay safe on your adventures.
Blue and green algae (When in doubt, stay out)
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely spotted a story on social media highlighting the risk of toxic algae or blue and green algae.
Before long, you start wondering if it’s easy to spot. Or worse, you fear you inadvertently let your dog swim in it, especially if you own a dog who loves to swim.
Toxic algae, also known as blue-green algae, are precisely that. When it is present in stagnant water, there is an unmistakable hue.
It thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water and will form “blooms.” These blooms produce cyanotoxins, which are harmful to both humans and animals.
When ingested, toxic algae can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, weakness, lethargy, and seizures. It can also be fatal.
If you are concerned that blue-green algae is present, keep your dog out of the water.
There are several safe algae species found in water sources, but these are typically yellow and visible even in water with good clarity. Blue and green algae is often found in water where there is a film or scum like appearance.
Parks sometimes have warnings in place, or their websites may identify recent toxic algae blooms, so it’s always worth checking sources before heading out for the day with your dog.
Recognize algae types and understand their threat
While some algae types are harmless, others pose life-threatening risks to pets, particularly dogs.
Dog owners need to recognize these potentially dangerous algae to protect their furry friends during outdoor activities.
Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
Appearance: Blue-green algae blooms often appear as bright green, turquoise, or even dark brown scum on the water’s surface.
Location: Typically found in stagnant or slow-moving water, such as ponds, lakes, or along shorelines.
Threat: Blue-green algae poisoning can produce toxins that affect the liver and nervous system. Ingestion, inhalation, or even contact can lead to severe illness, liver damage, liver failure, or death in dogs.
Green Algae
Appearance: Green algae may appear as fine green filaments or mats, covering the water’s surface.
Location: Common in freshwater lakes and ponds, especially where nutrients are abundant.
Threat: While many green algae are benign, some species (like certain Cladophora) can harbor toxins that may cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Red Tide (Karenia brevis)
Appearance: Red tide refers to a bloom of marine dinoflagellates, which can turn the water reddish-brown.
Location: Typically found in coastal waters; can be driven inshore by wind and tides.
Threat: Brevetoxins from red tide can be harmful if ingested, especially by dogs that swim in affected waters or consume contaminated fish or shellfish.
Golden Algae (Prymnesium parvum)
Appearance: Recognizable by its golden hue, this algae can form thick blooms.
Location: Often found in brackish or saltwater environments.
Threat: Produces toxins that can harm fish and aquatic life, and may also pose risks to dogs if ingested along with contaminated water or aquatic life.
Recognize signs of algal blooms
When out with your dog, keep an eye out for the following signs that indicate the presence of harmful algal blooms:
Discoloration: Look for unusual colors in the water, such as green, blue-green, or even brownish-red hues.
Scum or mats: If you see floating scum or mats on the surface of the water, it could indicate an algal bloom.
Unpleasant odors: Certain types of algae can produce a foul odor, which may indicate the presence of harmful blooms.
Symptoms of algal toxicity in dogs
If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to harmful algae, be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or staggering
- Excessive drooling
If your dog is exposed
After your dog has been in potentially hazardous water, it’s essential to decontaminate them promptly to reduce the risk of health issues.
Take these steps:
Immediate rinse
As soon as you can, rinse your dog with clean, fresh water.
This is crucial to wash off any contaminants that may have clung to their fur and skin.
Use a hose or shower spray, ensuring that the water is lukewarm to avoid shock.
Gentle bath
After the initial rinse, give your dog a thorough bath using a gentle pet shampoo.
Select a product specifically formulated for your dog’s skin type and avoid harsh chemicals.
Pay special attention to areas where dirt and debris may collect, such as under the belly, behind the ears, and between the toes.
Brush their fur
While bathing, use a brush to remove any clumps of dirt or debris.
This also helps distribute the shampoo evenly and ensures a deeper clean.
Check for irritations
After the bath, check your dog’s skin for any signs of irritation, redness, or bites. If you find anything unusual, consult your veterinarian for further examination.
Dry thoroughly
Dry your dog completely using a clean towel or a pet dryer if they are comfortable with that.
Be sure to avoid leaving your dog wet, as this can lead to skin irritations or infections.
Clear ears
Water exposure can lead to ear infections, so be sure to dry the ears carefully.
You can gently clean the outer ear with a damp cloth; however, avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
Examine paws
Check your dog’s paws for any foreign objects, such as sticks or stones, and clean between the pads to remove any contaminants.
If your dog walked through muddy or questionable areas, foot baths can help remove toxins.
Watch for symptoms
Keep an eye on your dog for the next few days for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior.
If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Hydration and diet
Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and continues eating a balanced diet.
Hydration is vital if your dog ingests contaminated water.
Water intoxication
Aside from the assumed risk of drowning in water, dogs that play and retrieve in water also risk water intoxication.
This occurs when your dog has ingested an excessive amount of water that their body cannot handle.
Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal distention. Further symptoms include weakness, coma, seizures, and ataxia.
Veterinary attention is vital. Prevention is critical, so be mindful if your dog swallows water while retrieving, and keep their time in the water to a moderate level.
Too much salt?
If you are at the beach, you may instinctively think that your dog can drink seawater if they get thirsty.
Unfortunately, drinking large amounts of salt water can be fatal to a dog. In small quantities, you may see some irregular bowel movements.
When a dog drinks saltwater, the body counteracts the salt content by drawing water into the intestines, which can result in diarrhea and vomiting.
In high quantities, however, the cells in the body release their water content to help counteract this, which can cause brain injuries, kidney issues, and severe dehydration. Immediate veterinary attention is essential.
If you are heading to the beach, take some fresh water for your dog to drink and watch for them having a sneaky drink in the sea.
Riptides
Before letting your dog play in the water, observe it for a few minutes to assess the water’s speed and identify any potential dangerous currents.
Although you may not be at the beach, many bodies of water can have fast and strong currents.
It could be a rip at the beach or merely a fast-flowing section of the river.
Watch the flow and look for any white water, as this will help you identify any underlying currents.
You need to ensure the water is safe for your dog and that they are capable of swimming in it.
Smaller dogs or less able dogs may struggle with even the slightest of currents, so again, when in doubt, stay out.
Waterborne illnesses
If your dog finds his way into a stagnant pool of water, watch for vomiting or diarrhea for the next few days.
Be mindful of their symptoms, and always seek veterinary attention if you are concerned. But there is a risk of illness from any pool of water, even more so in immune-compromised pets.
Therefore, if your dog has pre-existing health conditions that affect its ability to fight viruses and bacteria, there is an even greater risk. Unless you stop your dog from swimming altogether, there is always a risk.
Practice safe swimming
- Opt for fresh, flowing water whenever possible.
- Don’t allow your dog to drink from the water source; provide fresh water from home/a bottle.
- Rinse them off when you get home to remove any bacteria/parasites from their coat.
- Watch for any changes in health or behavior over the next couple of days.
Some dogs adore the water, especially those bred to work in it.
Be mindful of some of the hazards that come with swimming, but we hope our top tips will help keep your dog safe.
Protect your dog
Exposure to toxic algae and waterborne illnesses can lead to serious long-term health effects in dogs.
One concern is liver damage from hepatotoxicity, which may result in chronic liver disease and symptoms like jaundice and lethargy appearing weeks or months after exposure.
Neurological damage is another risk, as certain algae produce neurotoxins that can disrupt the central nervous system. This may lead to ongoing issues like seizures or behavioral changes.
Waterborne illnesses such as leptospirosis can occur, causing kidney damage and potentially requiring extensive veterinary care.
The long-term effects of exposure to contaminated water can lead to significant health challenges for dogs, making it crucial for pet owners to monitor water sources and seek prompt veterinary assistance if exposure is suspected.
Final thoughts on water hazards
Ensuring your dog’s safety around water is essential for enjoyable outdoor experiences.
By understanding the dangers posed by toxic algae, water intoxication, saltwater ingestion, riptides, and waterborne illnesses, you can take proactive steps to protect your furry friend.
Always be vigilant about the water conditions before allowing your dog to swim.
Provide fresh water for hydration, and be aware of any health changes that may occur following their aquatic adventures.
With careful precautions and mindfulness, you can create fun and safe memories with your beloved pet in and around water.
John Woods is the founder and director of All Things Dogs, a graduate in animal behavior and welfare, and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. He founded All Things Dogs in 2018 to educate 40 million pet parents on how to care for their dogs using force-free positive reinforcement training methods.