Stop your dog drinking dirty water

Some dogs like to eat and drink the strangest things, but in hot weather especially, this can be dangerous.   Green slimy water might just look unpleasant but it can be fatal to dogs.

It’s caused by algae which builds up in water that’s had the sun blazing away on it – the small organisims thrive in the heat and multiply in their millions.   Even swimming in the green slime water can be a canine killer.     Symptoms include panting, salivation and pale gums – but if you think your dog has been in algae water or has drunk from it, any signs of illness or stress should be treated by a vet – and quickly.  There are only a few hours available to treat the toxic build up – the blue green algae is extremely poisonous and fatal otherwise. 

It’s a good idea to check any unused dishes in the garden, buckets with water left in them or stagnant pools or fish ponds.   Empty them and clean them out – a cat might suddenly decide to find the water attractive with disastrous consequences.   Is this why cats suddenly go missing in summer?   Could be that they’ve drunk some slime water and been taken ill and not made it back home.   Keep all containers scrubbed out and clean. 

Rabbit drinkers soon go green inside – they must be kept clean and free from slime or you will have a very sick bunny.  Because the consequences happen so quickly – it could all be over while you are out at work.  It’s a good idea to have several rabbit drinkers, so that if you are in a rush, you can always put a clean one out. 

When the cold weather comes again, we can all relax, this is a summer hazard only – it’s only in the humid, heatwave conditions that the deadly algae suddenly bloom.