Plenty of dogs love to swim and play in the water, and if your pup enjoys outdoor adventures, swimming in a lake or river might be a regular occurrence. However, these waters pose potential risks to your dog, and it’s best to know what they are so you can keep your pup safe.
7 Risks If Your Dog Swims in Rivers and Lakes
Before going over the hazards your dog faces when they take a dip in the lake or river, it’s important to realize that these waterways aren’t always dangerous. Swimming in the lake can be lots of fun and offer great exercise for your pooch. Therefore, if your dog enjoys it, don’t assume you have to keep them high and dry.
However, you should be extremely prudent and aware of the risks and any current advisories before letting your dog swim. It’s just not the same as leaping into the backyard pool, and basic swimming safety precautions, like a doggy life jacket, while important, won’t defend against many of the unseen dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Familiarizing yourself with these risks is an important first step to keep your dog safe in the water and even after they get out.
Blue-Green Algae
One of the most dangerous hazards found in lakes and slow-moving rivers is blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Despite its name, blue-green algae isn't actually algae but a type of bacteria that can produce toxins capable of causing severe illness or even death in dogs.
You might notice the algae when you look at the water. It can be blue-green, brown, or reddish, appearing as a layer of scum on the water's surface. If you see this, you likely wouldn’t think twice about keeping your pup out of the river or lake.
However, the problem is that the algae blooms aren't always easy to spot.
Sometimes the water may simply look cloudy, or you may see some streaks of discoloration. These are other warning signs to skip the swim with your pup.
Algae blooms are very common during summer months thanks to warm temperatures, stagnant water, and nutrient-rich conditions. Your dog could get poisoning from drinking the water, swimming through it, or even licking it from their fur after a swim.
Common symptoms of cyanobacteria poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, weakness, tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and collapse. Symptoms could appear within minutes to a few hours, and the situation can progress very rapidly.
Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog even after they get out of the water. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, wash them off thoroughly with clean water. Keep them from licking themselves, and get them to an emergency clinic or your vet as soon as possible.
Parasites
Natural bodies of water potentially contain parasites and disease-causing organisms that you can’t see. One of the most common is Giardia, which often causes diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration.
Dogs usually become infected after drinking untreated water or grooming themselves after swimming. Another serious concern is leptospirosis, which occurs when the bacterium Leptospira enters water via urine from infected wildlife or rodents. The illness can damage the kidneys and liver and cause fever, vomiting, lethargy, muscle pain, increased thirst, and jaundice.
Fortunately, vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of leptospirosis. So keep your dog current on vaccinations and parasite prevention to protect them during outdoor adventures.
Strong Currents
One of the scariest things about water is how it can appear so calm on the surface, but be rough and tumultuous underneath. Strong currents and undertows can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced swimmers.
Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or dam releases can all lead to rapidly changing conditions. Before you have time to act, fast-moving water could carry your dog far from shore. Furthermore, hidden drops, slippery rocks, and steep embankments can make it hard for pups to climb out once they’re in the water.
Respect current warnings and be aware of conditions before letting your dog swim. Never assume a location is safe just because you swim there all the time. Get your dog a well-fitted life vest, which can help keep them afloat if they become tired or start to struggle in the current.
Water Intoxication
This one is uncommon, but it’s still worth mentioning so you’re aware of what it is and what to look for. Water intoxication occurs when dogs swallow excessive amounts of water while swimming or repeatedly retrieving floating toys.
Drinking too much water dilutes sodium levels, which disrupts normal cell function. It can lead to dangerous swelling and be a life-threatening condition.
Early symptoms include bloating, vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and poor coordination. Severe cases can progress to seizures, difficulty breathing, coma, and death.
To reduce your dog’s risk, avoid endless games of fetch in the water. Also, encourage regular rest breaks, and monitor how much water your dog is swallowing during play.
Contaminants
Even water that looks clean can harbor harmful contaminants, such as agricultural runoff, fertilizers, pesticides, sewage, and industrial waste. All of these things can end up in lakes and rivers, especially after heavy rainfall.
Dogs could experience digestive problems, skin irritation, neurological symptoms, or more serious illness if they drink or swim in contaminated water. It’s a good idea to check for local water quality advisories before heading out.
Hidden Debris
What lies beneath the surface may be impossible to see until it's too late. Broken glass, discarded fishing hooks, sharp rocks, metal scraps, submerged branches, and other debris can cause serious injuries to your dog's paws, legs, or abdomen.
Fishing line is another overlooked danger. Your dog could get tangled in the line or accidentally swallow hooks and bait. These things lead to life-threatening injuries that often require emergency surgery.
Take a few minutes to scope out the shoreline before your dog gets in the water. Opt for gently sloping entry points and avoid areas with visible debris, dense vegetation, or active fishing activity.
Wildlife
Another risk that’s around lakes and rivers is the local wildlife, much of which is also below the water’s surface. Snapping turtles, snakes, alligators, and territorial waterfowl may attack curious dogs that wander too close. Be vigilant and aware of what animals are common in the area, and keep a watchful eye.
Keep Your Dog Safe During Their Swim
Every pet parent loves when their dog is having fun, but they also want them to stay safe. This is why it’s essential to know the dangers of swimming in rivers and lakes before you let your pooch take the plunge.
Stay updated on all vaccinations, and stay consistent with parasite prevention, to protect your pup from various illnesses. It’s also vital to keep fresh water with you so your dog stays hydrated and doesn’t want to drink from the river or lake.
Stick to familiar waterways that are clean, but never assume they’re safe. Always assess the current conditions and be on the lookout for any warnings or restrictions.
Make sure your dog wears a life vest, and always monitor them when they’re in and around water. Rinse them off after, and keep an eye out for any symptoms that develop soon after their time in the water.
When in doubt, skip the swim.
For more helpful tips on how to keep your pup safe while they’re having fun, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.