Wet weather can cause serious health dangers for our pets.

Giardia Protozoa

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From July of 2018 to June of 2019 the United States had over 38 inches of rainfall. This was more than 7 inches over the average. For the first time in over 100 years rainfall was greater than 36 inches in a 12 month period. That's a lot of water! Well it's late October in the Southeast and the rainy season is upon us. While wet weather has plenty of benefits, it leaves behind bacteria and parasite-riddled puddles that can make your dog or cat very sick. In the wake of wet weather, pets that spend time outdoors are more at risk of contracting bacteria like leptospirosis and parasites like giardia. Dirty standing water can  also carry potentially toxic chemicals from runoff. 

Here are a list of hazards and how you can keep your pets safe:

• Mosquitoes: most of us know that standing water are breeding grounds for these pests. A female only needs 1 inch of water to lay hundreds of eggs. It takes only 1-2 days for them to hatch into larvae. Mosquitoes carry heartworm disease. This disease is already at record highs here in the Southeast.  Ensure that your dogs are tested yearly and on prevention year round. 
• Ticks: Ticks are hardy and can survive in both hot and cold climates. They love and thrive in the moist, humid conditions rain brings. With long-term rains grasses and shrubs will grow and become havens for these little beasts to multiply. Studies have shown that increased rainfall leads to higher incidents of Lyme disease. Lyme can also be transmitted to humans through tick bites. Usually a pet becomes infected only after the tick has been attached to the dog for at least 18 hours. An infected dog will show signs through lameness which is caused by inflammation in the joints. Untreated Lyme disease almost always leads to kidney issues in dogs. Check both your dogs and cats for ticks regularly and remove them as soon as you find them. It is imperative that you have your pets on effective flea/tick protection year round. 
• Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals by the urine of infected wildlife.  It can be caught from water in rivers, lakes, streams or standing water  such as puddles.  It thrives in wet moist areas. This disease can be very dangerous as it can be passed to humans. Symptoms include: fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and painful inflammation within the eyes. Other signs may include bleeding disorders leading to blood-tinged vomit, urine, stool or saliva as well as nosebleeds.​It is highly recommended you have your dog vaccinated for Lepto yearly.  
• Giardia: This is a protozal parasite that lives in wet soil and standing water contaminated by feces. It can be contracted from untreated sewage water, or natural ponds soiled by wildlife. It is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected humans or animals. It is one of the most common parasites infecting dogs, cats and birds. It causes diarrhea, vomiting, cramping and dehydration. Have your pets fecal tested by your veterinarian at least once a year if not more. 

No matter weather your dog hikes with you year round or your cat lives mostly in doors all our pets as well as we as their care takers are effected when the rainfall increases in our environment. It is imperative that we as pet parents ensure our animals are on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Keep pets hydrated by offering them plenty of water and bringing water with you on outings. This will discourage them from straying to drink from outside water sources. Have your vet examine them and test their feces at least yearly. These tips will help keep both you and them healthy!  :)