Ben Character, DVM, reviews the risks of dogs getting in the water in this Q & A. He says there are five major infectious organisms considered as waterborne. He also references chemical runoff. While this e-blast targets hunting dog owners, the warnings are similar for urban animals. Water features are common in suburbia and on golf courses. While pretty, they may not be safe for our pets.
Source: Retriever Journal, October 2016.
Waterborne infectious organisms include: Giardia (protozoa), Leptospirosis (bacteria), campylobacter (bacteria), coccida (protozoa), and cryptosporidiosis (protozoa). Most of these create the clinical sign of diarrhea. The exception is leptospirosis, which causes a kidney infection that can lead to renal failure.