Taking baths and spending hours in the water is our favorite think to do during the vacations.Now if we as humans do not bare the heat, imagine what our little furry friends go through. Having fur has its benefits during winter but when the temperature is 40°C outside, having fur is not so fun anymore now is it?
Well as much fun as swimming and being around water might be for a puppy, there are some risks that present to them while enjoying their swim.
This are seven waterborne diseases commonly diagnosed in dogs.
#1 Leptospirosis: it is usually found in warm areas. Dogs that swim in stagnant bodies of water, as rivers, lakes etc, have a higher risk of getting infected. The infection occurs when a cut comes in contact with the bacteria leptospirosis. In case of an infection, it has to be treated as soon as possible because it can also infect humans.
#2 Pythiosis: it is also known as ‘swamp cancer’. This is caused by a fungul organism that is mostly found in warmer climates with pplenty of standing water. Pythiosis it attaches itself to small wounds in the body through skin or gastrointestinal and grows into large.
#3 Blue/Green Algae: It is commonly grown in lakes and ponds during warmer months. The algae produces toxins that are extremely harmful on pets and people. It can affect the skin, liver, GI or the nervous system.
#4 Giardiasis: is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea. When infected they show signs of oocysts in their stool which can persist a long time in moist areas. It is not considered life threatening.
#5 Cryptosporidiosis: It is one the most repulsive waterborne diseases. It can survive very long in an environment due to its outer shell that protects the parasite. It is commonly found in contaminated water or food.
#6 Schistosomiasis: is a flatworm that is the cause agent of canine schistosomiasis. It pentrates throw the skin while swimming in contaminated water. From there it goes through helth unges and the liver.
#7 Pseudomonas: this organism it is associated more commonly with ear infections. It is found mostly in pools.
