💧 7 Waterborne Diseases That Can Harm Your Dog in 2025 – Prevention & Care Guide 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

As temperatures rise, many dogs enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, and ponds. While water play is great exercise, it's important to be aware of potential waterborne diseases that can affect your canine companion. Here's a guide to seven common water-related illnesses in dogs and how to prevent them:

1. 🦠 Leptospirosis

Overview: Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, commonly found in warm, stagnant water contaminated by urine from infected animals.

Symptoms: Fever, muscle tenderness, vomiting, jaundice, and kidney failure.

Prevention: Avoid letting your dog swim in or drink from stagnant water sources. Vaccination is available and recommended for at-risk dogs.

2. 🧪 Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Overview: Certain algae blooms produce toxins harmful to dogs, often found in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater bodies.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure.

Prevention: Keep dogs away from water with visible algae blooms or scum. Always provide fresh drinking water during outings.

3. 🐛 Giardia

Overview: A protozoan parasite that infects the intestines, commonly contracted from contaminated water.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy.

Prevention: Prevent your dog from drinking untreated water. Regularly clean water bowls and avoid areas known for contamination.

4. 🦠 Cryptosporidium

Overview: A microscopic parasite found in contaminated water sources, causing gastrointestinal illness.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss.

Prevention: Ensure your dog drinks clean water. Avoid letting them swim in or drink from unknown water bodies.

5. 🐾 Campylobacteriosis

Overview: A bacterial infection that can be contracted through contaminated water or contact with infected animals.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, fever.

Prevention: Maintain good hygiene, prevent your dog from drinking from communal water sources, and avoid contact with feces.

6. 🦠 Pythiosis

Overview: Caused by the organism Pythium insidiosum, found in stagnant warm water, leading to severe infections.

Symptoms: Skin lesions, gastrointestinal issues, weight loss.

Prevention: Avoid letting your dog swim in stagnant or swampy waters, especially in warm climates.

7. 🧬 Naegleria fowleri (Brain-Eating Amoeba)

Overview: A rare but deadly amoeba found in warm freshwater, entering through the nose and affecting the brain.

Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, vomiting, neurological signs.

Prevention: Prevent your dog from swimming in warm, stagnant freshwater during hot weather.

📱 Enhance Your Dog's Safety with Technology

Modern tools can assist in managing your dog's health effectively:

• Ask A Vet App: Access expert veterinary advice and schedule consultations conveniently.
• Woopf: Utilize training resources tailored to your dog's breed and behavior.
• Purrz: Monitor your dog's activity levels and set reminders for health check-ups and medication schedules.

🎯 Conclusion

While water activities can be enjoyable for dogs, it's essential to be aware of potential risks. By taking preventive measures and staying informed, you can ensure your dog's safety during water adventures.

For personalized guidance and support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today! 🐾📲