Vets busy with animals getting sick; some animals attracted to contaminated water

HONOLULU (KHON2) – Salt Lake’s PetVet Animal Hospital said it has seen an increase in the number of dogs with stomach problems since Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving itself has a lot of dogs getting table scraps or stress from different people visiting; So it’s very difficult to say if it’s from that or if it’s from this contaminated water, ”said Dr. Melanie Pearson of the increase.

Dr Pearson said the dogs arrived with decreased appetite, vomiting, decreased energy and diarrhea.

“At this concentration it is diluted in water, so a lot of pets may not show anything, maybe just diarrhea, maybe just decreased appetite, but usually not. themselves, “she added.

She said petroleum products can be fatal in concentrated amounts; humans should start bathing and giving their pets bottled water or taking their furry friends to a friend or family that has safe, clean water.

Another veterinarian from Alii Pet Hospital & Resort said some animals are actually attracted to contaminated water.

“Sometimes, especially with oil, they [cats and dogs] seem more attracted to it and are more inclined to eat or drink this contaminant, so they get really sick, ”explained Dr. Whitney Pressler, Alii Pet Hospital & Resort.

Dr Pressler said it can also lead to breathing problems and toxins can linger in their systems for two weeks after being exposed.

“It can be fatal,” said Dr. Pressler. “Homeowners need to watch out for things like difficulty breathing or a pale or bluish tinge to their gums, and vomiting and diarrhea for sure. They may have a sore mouth, pull on their face, or have contaminated paws if they walked through a contaminated area.

If a pet dies, vets can run tests to determine the cause.

“There are tests they can do on vomit and feces and compare them to toxins they’ve found in drinking water, and they can actually match hydrocarbons,” Dr. Pressler continued.