Warm temperatures create ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive in natural water sources. Dogs can be exposed when they drink contaminated water, swallow water while swimming, or lick their coat after a swim.

Common bacteria found in contaminated water include:

• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Leptospira (the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis)

Symptoms of bacterial infections in dogs may include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is one of the most dangerous summer water hazards for dogs.

Blue-green algae may appear as:

• Green paint-like scum
• Blue-green mats
• Thick, discolored water

Dogs can become exposed by drinking contaminated water, swimming through algae blooms, or licking algae from their fur.

Signs of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs include:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

Blue-green algae exposure is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite found in lakes, streams, puddles, and standing water.

Dogs become infected by swallowing contaminated water, which can lead to:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Digestive upset
• Weight loss

Because parasites can disrupt the gut microbiome, supporting digestive health becomes especially important during swimming season.

One of the best ways to support dog gut health is through nutrition.

Fresh, minimally processed foods provide bioavailable nutrients that help support digestion and overall wellness. Green Juju's complete and balanced raw recipes are made with responsibly sourced proteins, nutrient-rich organs, and whole-food ingredients designed to nourish dogs the way nature intended.

A fresh food diet can help provide the nutritional foundation needed to support digestive and immune health throughout the summer.

A healthy gut starts with feeding the microbes that live there.

Bam's Digestive Support combines wild-fermented organic beets and purple cabbage to deliver natural fiber, postbiotics, and beneficial fermentation compounds that help nourish the gut microbiome and support healthy digestion. Use Bam’s beets for daily digestion support, and in times of acute digestive upset.

Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Green Juju’s probiotics like Farm, a fermented raw milk probiotic, and Soil, derived from fermented leafy greens, deliver naturally occurring beneficial bacteria and yeast through traditional fermentation. These whole-food probiotics help support microbiome diversity, digestive function, and immune health.

Adding probiotics for dogs during the summer months can be a simple way to support gut health as dogs spend more time outdoors and around natural water sources.

Prebiotics are fibers that nourish the beneficial bacteria already living in your dog's gut.

Green Juju Veggie Blends provide organic vegetables, naturally occurring fiber, and phytonutrients that help support a healthy digestive environment. Combined with fresh food and probiotics, prebiotic-rich vegetables can help promote a balanced microbiome.

Always bring fresh drinking water when hiking, boating, or spending time near lakes and rivers. Access to clean water helps reduce the likelihood that your dog will drink from potentially contaminated sources.

Summer swimming can be a fun and enriching activity for dogs, but it's important to be aware of potential waterborne risks. By practicing good water safety, feeding a fresh whole-food diet, and supporting your dog's microbiome,you can help promote digestive health and overall wellness throughout the swimming season.

A healthy gut is one of the best foundations for a healthy, active summer.