It happens often, especially on hot days. You're out for a leisurely walk with your dog and before you know it, he's already trying to drink from a puddle. These small, bright oases exert an irresistible magnetism on most dogs, who instinctively tend to want to drink from the water in their surroundings.
But be careful: they hide many dangers that are invisible to the naked eye.
Reasons why your dog drinks water from puddles
There are several reasons:
- He's dehydrated: It's simply hot, he's thirsty, he wants to quench his thirst and it's the option he has at hand. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you'll be very interested in this article.
- Better taste: Although it may seem strange, dogs usually like the taste of rainwater more than bottled or tap water.
- Olfactory communication: Since dogs communicate largely through smell, urinating is their way of marking territory and spreading their scent mark. If they do so in a puddle, other dogs will be immediately attracted to it when they smell urine.
Is it dangerous for my dog to drink water from puddles?
Puddles are the ideal breeding ground for all kinds of microorganisms, which need an aqueous medium to survive. In a puddle, the water heats up quickly and is not renewed, which encourages these microorganisms to multiply in a matter of hours.
The risk posed by drinking water from a puddle will vary depending on the following factors:
- The type of surface on which the water has accumulated.
- The area where the puddle is located.
Therefore, if your dog drinks from a puddle that is in an area with high traffic of vehicles, humans or animals, the risk will be greater than if he drinks from one that is in a more remote place.
Possible consequences of your dog drinking unsafe water
These are some of the consequences that drinking water from puddles could have for your dog:
Infections
In puddles we can find all kinds of pathogens, such as bacteria (Leptospira, which causes the dangerous leptospirosis, Escherichia coli, which can cause digestive problems of a certain severity and cyanobacteria, which can cause gastroenteritis and even intestinal dysbiosis), protozoa such as coccidia and Giardia, viruses or fungi. The source of infection is usually, in most cases, the urine or faeces of other animals.
Therefore, if our dog has been submerged in potentially infected water, we must act quickly and wash it as soon as possible, always using gloves, since these bacteria can also be harmful to humans.
Poisoning
Puddles can also contain toxic substances, both in rural areas, where agricultural fertilizers tend to accumulate, and in urban areas, where motor oil is the main danger. Remains of cleaning products also pose a risk to your furry friend.
What can I do if my dog drinks dirty water?
Most dogs have a very resistant stomach and their gastric juices are capable of eliminating practically any pathogen that enters their body, but there are times when these microorganisms manage to escape their defenses and cause health problems that can be severe.
If you think your dog may be infected or poisoned, it is important to fast your dog from food, make sure he is well hydrated and go to the vet if you notice that the symptoms are very intense, last more than 24 hours or if he suddenly becomes intolerant of liquids. Acting immediately is essential to protect your dog's health.
Tips to prevent my dog from drinking water from puddles during walks
To avoid risks, especially on hot days, we advise you to always carry water for your dog, preferably in a special bottle for dogs or in portable water bowls, such as those we offer at Watadog . If you also have to walk through a particularly dirty area, it is best to keep your dog on a leash to avoid temptations.
