"Deadly Parasite Threatens California Dogs in Riverside County"
Researchers in Riverside County have identified a parasite in the Colorado River in Blythe as the cause of a potentially fatal illness in dogs, warning pet owners to be cautious when letting their pets near the water. The illness, linked to tiny snails in the river, can cause symptoms such as lethargy, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss in dogs. Pet owners are advised to get their dogs tested if they show these symptoms after being near the water, and to be aware that raccoons may also pose a threat as they eat the snails carrying the parasite.