Beware of lake water...it's not just water sometimes

[Tank's Grandma]

Thanks for posting this, it's something I've wondred about, as the National Parks here, when we were looking for Rottstock locations, all had warnings about the streams being potentially poluted with giardia and I wondered about letting dogs go swimming, but keeping them from getting infected.
I understand levels can fluctuate, but Tank had giardiasis as a pup, and I realize a pup is less hardy than a big dog, but we almost lost him so I'm a little gun shy...
glad she's doing better.

[Liza]

I've experience problems in the past and recently from just puddles when we've been out walking. I always try and keep my dogs well away from puddles now, as they are often off their food for a few days. When I had my Rotti he was a bad one for rushing over to puddles to drink... I hope Bailey is feeling better soon.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by Ilovemypuppy

....I guess we are going to have to install an in-ground pool or come visit Sonny in his ! ....maybe we should ALL go to Sonny's for a swim

Everyone's invitation is in the mail (it will be the one with paw prints on it).

I was thinking of you this week as I took Sonny to visit a friend's new house and it borders a State Forest. You guessed it, the 3 dogs made their way down to the river (CT river) and my dog jumped right in and swam across and back, across and back...over and over. He didn't want to get out! I've been watching his poo....so far so good.

[beledi]

More FYI: Dogs can get Giardia in your own backyard Birds fly over and can poop in the yard. Kiddy pools can also get contaminated this way.

Beledi/Erda's mom

[observer]

There are lovely lakes at the park practically next door to my house. I used to let Missy walk in the shallows, which she loved to do (and she would drink the water as well) but I haven't let her do it since one of the other dog owners who walks her dog over there told me about someone's dog getting botulism from the lake water some time ago. I'm sure there are lots of other bad bugs in there, like you describe -- I feel lucky to have avoided what you have gone through!.... so, I carry a bottle of ice water for her, and she looks for sprinklers to play in and drink from, and we do just fine! :)