Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea After Swimming? Waterborne Illnesses in Pets
A day at the lake can feel like the ultimate swim party for our water-loving canine companions, but occasionally, the aftereffects are … less festive. If you witness a bout of dog diarrhea after swimming, our team is here to answer the question, Why?
Dog Diarrhea After Swimming: What’s Going On?
It’s not just bad luck. Water adventures can lead to lake bacteria dog illnesses that cause dog diarrhea after swimming, and here’s why: your dog swallowed something they shouldn’t have.
Lakes, ponds, and even slow-moving rivers can contain:
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Algae
- Runoff from surrounding areas
All of these can irritate your dog’s digestive system, leading to loose stools, vomiting, or general tummy trouble.
Lake Bacteria Dog Illness: More Than Just an Upset Stomach
A lake bacteria dog illness can range from mild to more serious, depending on what your dog was exposed to.
Some dogs may only experience temporary digestive upset. Others can develop infections that require veterinary care. The challenge? You can’t see most of these risks just by looking at the water.
Warm, stagnant water is more likely to harbor harmful bacteria, making those quiet, glassy lakes and ponds more hazardous than they appear.
Leptospirosis Symptoms in Dogs
One of the more concerning waterborne diseases in dogs is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water—often from wildlife urine.
Leptospirosis symptoms in dogs may include:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst
- Muscle tenderness
In more severe cases, it can affect the kidneys or liver. The good news? It’s preventable with vaccination and treatable when caught early.
Other Waterborne Diseases in Dogs
Beyond leptospirosis, other waterborne diseases in dogs include:
- Giardia (a common intestinal parasite)
- Blue-green algae toxicity (which can be life-threatening)
- Bacterial infections that affect the gut
These risks don’t mean you have to skip lake days altogether, but they do mean it’s wise to stay informed and cautious.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sick
If your pet develops dog diarrhea after swimming, monitor them closely.
Call your veterinarian if you notice:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Blood in the stool
For expert care and guidance, our team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center can help determine the cause and prepare a treatment plan right away.
Tips for Safer Swim Days
A few simple precautions can reduce your dog’s risk:
- Discourage drinking from lakes or ponds.
- Avoid water that looks stagnant, discolored, or has algae blooms.
- Rinse your dog off after swimming.
- Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.
Swimming should end with wagging tails, not worried glances at the backyard. If you have concerns about dog diarrhea after swimming, please reach out to us at (916) 737-5670.