Dangers To Your Pets Following The Jersey Shore’s Flooding

As Brick, Lakewood, and Howell continue to recover from the worst of yesterday's torrential rain and flooding, even if your neighborhood or home weren't impacted, there are dangers in the aftermath that pet owners should be mindful of.

While most of the floodwaters have receded, there are plenty of pools of standing water that can harbor parasites and bacteria that could be deadly.

Mosquitoes love pools of stagnant water. In addition to making sure that you and your loved ones are protected from the blood suckers, you should also make sure that your dogs are up to date on heartworm medication.

Out for a walk with a thirsty dog? Letting them drink pooled water could literally kill them.

Brick Town Veterinary Hospital's Dr. Adam Christman told my colleague Liz Jeressi that it's vitally important to be sure that your dogs are vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Lepto" is a deadly bacteria that dogs can pick up from drinking tainted water.

So remember, while our neighbors are picking up the pieces from yesterday's historic flooding, our pets are also at higher risk in the aftermath, too.

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