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Dog in water

Dogs and water safety


By Sally Meyers, member of the Adams County SPCA Board of Directors

Water safety for your dog entails more than just prevention of drowning accidents. Even if they don’t go into the water, dogs are susceptible to injuries and diseases. Your dog may not see a body of water—including the ocean—as dangerous or undrinkable. A lot of fun can be had by you and your best friend, but you should be aware of the following potential dangers.

Ponds, bogs and small lakes could be contaminated with parasites or bacteria common in stagnant bodies of water. Symptoms to watch for after drinking from a stagnant water source include diarrhea, vomiting and excessive gas, caused by the parasites. A type of algae—called blue-green algae—is truly dangerous to pets and can kill within an hour.

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