Manure and puddles – an underestimated threat to our dogs

A walk down a country road, the grass still damp from the rain, the sun breaking through the clouds – and in the middle of it all: your dog, full of energy, nose to the ground. What is a peaceful moment for us, can be a mortal threat to your four-legged friend.
Because slurry and puddles carry risks that are often underestimated – from bacterial infections to dangerous environmental toxins.

Liquid manure – a fertilizer with a side effect 💩

Liquid manure is a liquid agricultural fertilizer made from animal excrements – most often a mixture of feces, urine and water, sometimes with the addition of leftover feed or bedding. Although it helps plants grow, it can be a serious threat to dogs.

Liquid manure may contain:

• Bacteria and microorganisms , e.g. Clostridium botulinum , which produces the dangerous botulinum toxin.
• The remains of dead animals , e.g. mice or rats, that drowned in manure tanks.
• Drug residues , e.g. antibiotics used in breeding.
• Parasites that end up there with animal feces.

Particularly dangerous is botulism – a rare but often fatal disease that attacks the nervous system.

How do toxins get into a dog's body?

A dog does not need to have direct contact with a manure tank to become poisoned. Typical routes of infection:

• Sniffing or licking contaminated grass or soil
• Drinking from puddles containing manure residue
• Rolling in manure , especially dangerous in case of skin wounds
• Eating carrion or small animals contaminated with botulinum toxin

The incubation period for botulism can range from several hours to several days, making rapid diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms of poisoning ⚠️

If your dog has been in contact with manure or contaminated water, pay attention to:

• sudden muscle weakness or paralysis
• shortness of breath or shallow breathing
• drooling , vomiting or diarrhea
• apathy , confusion, or tremors
• difficulty swallowing or eating

Botulism is a veterinary emergency ! The sooner your dog gets help, the greater the chance of survival.

Puddles – an underestimated source of danger 💧

Many dogs love to drink from puddles – especially on hot days. Unfortunately, the water in such places is often contaminated:

• Leptospires – bacteria from rodent urine that cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver.
• Giardia – intestinal parasites that cause chronic diarrhea.
• Pesticides and herbicides , especially in agricultural areas.
• Heavy metals or oils , e.g. on roads or agricultural machinery.

Downpours are particularly dangerous as they wash manure and chemicals into depressions in the ground, creating contaminated puddles.

How to protect your dog?

To prevent your next walk from ending in tragedy, remember these rules:

• 🚫 Avoid puddles – don't let your dog drink from them or bathe in them.
• 🐕🦺 Keep your dog on a leash near manure fields .
• 💧 Take fresh water with you – your dog will be more likely to drink clean water from a bottle.
• 🧼 Wash your dog thoroughly after contact with manure.
• 💉 Check if your vaccinations are up to date , especially against leptospirosis.
• 🩺 At the first symptoms of poisoning – go to the vet immediately!

Conclusion: Knowledge is life

Manure and puddles are not just dirt and an unpleasant smell - they are invisible sources of serious danger to the life of your dog. There is no need to panic, just vigilance and knowledge. Thanks to this, the walk will remain safe and your dog - healthy.

Be aware, protect your dog and share this article with other dog lovers. Because sometimes all it takes is one sip from the wrong puddle – and everything changes.