Find Out How To Protect Your Pets from E.coli
Summer heat brings E.coli to beaches and lakes around you. Worried how this might affect your pet’s health? Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary advisor for Rover, has you covered.
Dangerous levels of E. coli that affect popular lakes and beaches is a health concern for you and your furry friends. The folks at popular pet sitting app Rover had their veterinary advisor, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, put together six tips that will keep your favourite four-legged friend happy and healthy during these kinds of advisories.
Watch out for signage! A ‘No Swimming’ sign is often posted when water contamination levels reach a certain threshold bacterial count based on regular water quality checks. If you see a sign posted or if a beach is closed, make sure you and your dog steer clear!
Levels of harmful bacteria appear to peak within 48 hours of heavy rainfall. After a storm, it’s important to make pet safety a priority by avoiding strolls or swims near at-risk bodies of water.
Always watch pets closely for signs like tummy upset, eye or ear infections, and skin rashes which can appear up to 72 hours after exposure to harmful contaminants in lake water. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Always take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these. symptoms or anything unusual after a day by the water.
The highest risk activities are called ‘primary contact recreation’, or anything that involves being immersed in water or where pets (or humans) could swallow water, such as swimming. When water quality levels are in question, it’s always best to stay on dry land.
After a day at the beach, dogs are more likely to ingest contaminated water since they groom or lick themselves often. Rinse pets thoroughly after swimming or being on the sand.
If your pet has any cuts or open wounds, it’s much better to keep them at home or leave them in the care of a pet sitter than put their health at risk. Pet care services like the pet sitting app Rover, allow pet parents to safely and conveniently leave their pets in the care of a trusted sitter. Rover walkers are also trained in proper pet safety practices and always keep your pet’s well-being as a top priority.
There you have it. Pop over to Rover for all of your pet sitting needs and sign up for their newsletter to get more hot tips on how to provide the best possible care for your pets.
