What is Giardia? 

It's a microscopic parasite that infects your dog's intestines.

Where is it? 

Standing water, puddles after rain, dog parks, shared water bowls.

How does my dog get it? 

Drinking contaminated water, licking paws after walking through said water, sniffing infected feces

What are the symptoms? 

Diarrhea (often green and foul-smelling), lethargy, vomiting, weight loss

AND - some dogs carry it with NO symptoms and spread it to others.

What you can do! 

Wipe paws after walks, bring your own water bowl, avoid standing water, test annually at the vet.

What is Leptospirosis?

It's a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals - especially RATS.

Where is it? 

Chicago dogs are at HIGH risk because of the rat population, alleys, urban parks, and puddles.

How does my dog get it? 

Drinking from puddles, sniffing contaminated surfaces, walking through standing water

What are the symptoms? 

Fever, lethargy, jaundice, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle pain

!!! Lepto is highly dangerous and can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, and even death if untreated!!!

What you can do: 

ask your vet about the Lepto vaccine, avoid puddles and standing water, keep your dog out of alleys

What is Lyme disease?

A bacterial infection spread by deer ticks - one bite is all it takes.

Deer ticks weren't prevalent in the Midwest in the past but now they are.

Where are they? 

Forest preserves, tall grass at parks, trail edges, even your backyard

How can my dog get it? 

A tick latches on to your dog during a walk, it transmits bacteria in 24-48 hours, and you may not ever see the tick.

What are the symptoms? 

Limping or lameness, fever, swollen joints, lethargy, loss of appetite

!!! Symptoms can take MONTHS to appear and Lyme disease can cause kidney damage if left untreated.

What you can do: 

Ask your vet about the Lyme vaccine (given in two doses 3-4 weeks apart), use tick preventatives year-round, check for ticks after every walk (armpits, ears, and paws in particular), avoid tall grass and brush