≈ ≈ ☘️ Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease present on the planet

Its main reservoirs are rodents, rats, which excrete the bacteria in their urine. In humans, the disease is often benign, but can lead to kidney failure or even death in 5 to 20% of cases

The best-known rat disease is leptospirosis. It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira interrogans, often found in the urine of rats and other rodents. Leptospirosis can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to serious complications like kidney failure

For dog and cat owners, it is crucial to prevent their pets from drinking or bathing in stagnant water, as this water can be contaminated by bacteria such as those responsible for leptospirosis. Cyanobacteria, found in stagnant water, can also be toxic to animals, causing symptoms such as tremors, vomiting and nervous disorders

Dog swimming: watch out for cyanobacteria. Who doesn't like to take their dog for a swim, in a river or a small, quiet waterhole? However, do you know cyanobacteria? Have you ever heard of these living beings proliferating in stagnant water? Do you know the dangers they represent for your animal

Cyanobacteria are clumps of bacteria found in stagnant water. Similar to algae, they are often called (incorrectly) “blue-green algae” or “blue-green algae”. Their shape is filamentous and their consistency is slimy. Despite their appearances, cyanobacteria are not algae but rather colonial bacteria, and their toxins can be fatal. Cyanobacteria are found in all environments, even the most extreme, suspended in water or on the surface, attached to plants, stones, pebbles, rocks. They multiply in stagnant and relatively warm water (over 15°C)

The danger of cyanobacteria is linked to the toxins they secrete. These toxins, called cyanotoxins, can poison your pet if it drinks contaminated water or if it puts a stick or anything else in its mouth that has been in contact with these toxins. You must therefore be extra vigilant by taking your four-legged companion to swim in a river or any other body of water

Cyanotoxins mainly affect the skin, liver and nervous system. Even in small quantities, the ingestion of these toxins will bioaccumulate, leading to the death of a good number of animals, or even a man. To make matters worse, the toxins or rather their mechanisms of action are not yet all known

What to do if your dog has ingested toxic elements

Call your veterinarian, without waiting to see if symptoms appear or not. Describe your animal's reactions, what it ingested and in what quantity. He or she may need to know your pet's weight in order to judge the toxicity level

Again, if your pet has drunk contaminated water, don’t wait! Contact your veterinarian immediately so that he can take the first steps. Cyanobacteria are not the only toxic elements found in stagnant water

Note: if in doubt about the risks involved, do not hesitate to contact your animal poison control center as quickly as possible. This center, run by researchers, teachers, veterinarians, and veterinary students, answers free of charge all questions relating to the risks of substances on animals