local
Voss: Hidden dangers of mountain waterways for pups
By Dr. Kelly Voss Follow
dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com at Aspen Times
· June 29, 2026
· 5 min read
One of the joys of a warm summer day in the Roaring Fork Valley is the variety of water activities we have to explore. Our dogs enjoy splashing around in alpine lakes, rivers and streams just as much as we do — while this can be a great way to spend an afternoon with your pup, mountain waterways ...
Key takeaway Many mountain streams appear crystal clear, but that does not mean they are free of parasites.
Why this matters in Aspen News
For Aspen dog owners, a fun-filled summer day in the mountains can quickly turn into a veterinary emergency if their pup encounters contaminated water. The risk of Giardia and blue-green algae is particularly concerning in the Roaring Fork Valley, where dogs often swim and drink from alpine lakes, rivers, and streams. As the warm weather sets in, pet guardians should be aware of the hidden dangers lurking in these waterways. The Aspen School District's emphasis on outdoor education and recreation means many local families spend time near water, increasing the potential for exposure. By taking precautions such as bringing fresh water on hikes and checking the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's toxic algae data webpage, Aspen residents can help protect their pets from these waterborne threats. Local veterinarians and pet owners must remain vigilant, as the unique mountain environment poses distinct risks to canine health.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One of the joys of a warm summer day in the Roaring Fork Valley is the variety of water activities we have to explore. Our dogs enjoy splashing around in alpine lakes, rivers and streams just as much as we do — while this can be a great way to spend an afternoon with your pup, mountain waterways ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dr. Kelly Voss Follow
dr.kellyvoss@gmail.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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