Bob B. Hamilton

Beware of Standing Water Around Your Pet

Your pet can come across standing or stagnant water in many places.  Standing water is very common after a heavy rainfall.  Your dog may also be tempted to jump in a small pond of stagnant water.  It is probably best for you to keep your pet away from standing water since it can lead to numerous health consequences.

Your pet can come across standing or stagnant water in many places.  Standing water is very common after a heavy rainfall.  Your dog may also be tempted to jump in a small pond of stagnant water.  It is probably best for you to keep your pet away from standing water since it can lead to numerous health consequences.

This can be especially important depending on the type of dog you have.  Age is a common factor, since older and younger dogs have a higher chance of getting sick due to standing water.  Dogs that are unvaccinated may also have problems.

One of the main problems with standing water is mosquitoes use it as a breeding ground.  As you should know, mosquitoes can carry a wide range of diseases, so you best off to keep them from biting your pet as much as possible.  Therefore, it is best for you to eliminate standing water near your home to keep them from breeding close-by.

Another common problem with standing water is Leptospirosis.  This disease is caused by leptospira which are organisms which can be carried and passed on by wild animals in their urine.  If this urine ends up in standing water and your pet comes into contact with it somehow, he may develop the disease.

You should know that not all dogs exposed to these organisms will show signs of illness.  However, it can also lead to kidney and liver damage which can turn out to be fatal.  Leptospirosis is most common in dogs under the age of six months that have yet to be vaccinated.

Besides this, your dog may also come into contact with Giardia from standing water.  This protozoa most commonly affects pets when they drink water which is contaminated.  Once this happens, they may develop Giardiasis.

This condition affects your pet's intestines, so they will not be able to digest their food properly.  Common signs include appetite loss, weight loss, and diarrhea.  Giardiasis can be prevented through vaccination.

It is also important to note that standing water can harbor a wide range of harmful microorganisms including bacteria and parasites.  If your pet comes into contact with some of these microorganisms, there is no telling what can happen.

Therefore, it is best for you to keep your pet away from standing water as much as possible.  You should try to keep an eye on it while outdoors, especially after a heavy rainfall.  You do not want your pet drinking or playing in water which has been contaminated with something.

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