If your outdoor adventures this summer include trips to the lake, you may want to think twice before letting your canine companion dive into the water. The veterinarians at Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Sauk County, WI, are knowledgeable in parasites that lurk in natural water sources and the negative impact they can have on your dog’s health. Below, their veterinarians share just a few to be aware of.

Veterinarians Detail 3 Water Parasites & How They Affect Dogs 

1. Pythium Insidiosum

Resembling a fungus, this organism thrives in standing water in warm-weather climates. The parasite is typically found in lakes, rivers, and streams in the Gulf States. Using both humans and dogs as hosts, Pythium insidiosum enters the system through cuts in the skin or openings in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to Pythiosis disease. When dogs contract the infection, ulcerated lesions start to form where the parasite entered their system. Vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea are also common symptoms of the disease. Surgery is often used as the treatment method of choice. 

2. Harmful Algal Bloom

When out on the water with your four-legged friend, avoid freshwater lakes with blue-green algae buildup. During summer, the organism forms bacteria known as harmful algal bloom, which releases dangerous toxins into the environment. The poison can harm the skin, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and liver. The severity of symptoms varies from rashes and nausea to respiratory failure and death. If your dog has come in contact with harmful algal bloom, seek medical attention immediately. 

3. Giardia Lamblia

This common organism causes diarrhea in dogs and humans. The parasite leaves a dog’s system through stool, which can eventually contaminate the water supply and reenter the system. The illness it causes, called Giardiasis, manifests in severe hydration and weight loss. Non-surgical treatment methods are available.  

Before you take your dog out on Wisconsin’s waterways this summer, bring them to Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic to update their pet vaccines and rabies shots and to get additional information on water parasites. To schedule an appointment in Sauk County, call (608) 355-2882 today. Visit the veterinary clinic online to discover how their veterinarians will improve your pet’s quality of life, and like them on Facebook for announcements.