When dogs see puddles, they're often tempted to walk over to it, stick their tongue out, and take a little lick. Find out the hidden hazard.

Puddle Problems: Why Dogs Shouldn’t Drink From Puddles

My two dogs refuse to go outside when it’s raining. And I’ve gotta say, I don’t blame them! But, after a big rainfall? Well, that’s a totally different story! Once the sky clears, they can’t wait to head outside for a long walk and explore the great outdoors. Are your dogs the same way? As you head out for a post-storm doggy walk, there’s a hidden hazard you need to watch for: Puddles.

Here’s the thing: When dogs see puddles, they’re often tempted to walk over, stick their tongue out, and take a little lick. But, that little dip in the road filled with standing water isn’t the ideal happy hour drink for your dog. Standing water is a breeding ground for organisms, which can lead to tummy upset and more serious health concerns, such as Leptospirosis or Giardia.


Leptospirosis in Puddles

Often referred to as lepto, leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can affect both humans and animals, including our canine companions. It’s caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires. If your dog becomes infected (either by drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with an infected animal’s urine), the bacteria can multiply in their bloodstream and eventually move into the tissues. They concentrate in the liver and kidney, causing damage to these organs. The amount of damage depends on each dog’s immune system. 

Shortly after infection, a dog’s immune system will produce antibodies that respond to and clear most of the Leptospira in the body. Dogs usually recover from mild infections, however, damage done can lead to liver failure and/or kidney failure. In these severe cases, the damage is often irreversible and quickly becomes fatal.

Signs vary from dog to dog, and younger animals with less developed immune systems are generally more seriously affected than older animals. But, common warning signs and symptoms include: 

  • Lethargy and severe weakness
  • Sore muscles and stiffness
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Refusal to eat
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Jaundice
  • Acute renal failure
  • Blood in the urine may occur
  • Respiratory distress

Read more about lepto in dogs HERE.


Giardia in Puddles

Giardia is a microscopic single-celled parasite that sets up house in the intestinal tract of its host. There, the parasites multiply and eventually become cysts. These cysts are infectious, shed through feces, and can survive in the environment for several weeks.  

Dogs can become infected with Giardia if they swallow the Giardia cysts, (which commonly happens when drinking contaminated water). Your pooch could also become infected by eating grass or anything else, like balls or toys, that have come in contact with infected poop. Symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Foul-smelling stool

If your dog has been diagnosed with Giardia, your vet will prescribe medications. But, it’s important to note: Giardia can be challenging to treat, and it’s not uncommon for dogs to need a second, and possibly even a third, round of medication.

Read more about giardia in dogs HERE.