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Toxic Blue-Green Algae is Poisoning Dogs

Posted by RAD on

Be Cautious Around Freshwater with Your Dog

On a recent trip to Pyramid Lake, we were given flyers upon entry warning of dangerous toxins that may be present in the water. The flyer specifically stated that swimming, drinking, or cooking with the water are prohibited due to risks. In addition to risks that the algae poses to humans, there was a separate warning aimed at dog owners, stating that they should keep their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water due to the toxins.

Toxin warning
Toxin warning
Pyramid Lake map
Pyramid Lake map

Blue-green algae, known as Cyanobacteria, can produce toxins, and has been showing up in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state of California including Bay Area lakes, and elsewhere in the country, such as 3 New York City parks, and the states of Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina.

What Are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?

This type of algae has been around for billions of years, is bluish/greenish in color, and is quite thick. There are a number of reasons that these blooms have been so prevalent lately, including untreated sewage, crop fertilizer, and an increase in temperature which helps grow bacteria.

What Do Harmful Algal Blooms Look Like?

There is a difference in appearance in non-toxic algae, as compared to harmful algal blooms. To keep yourself and your dog safe, it’s important to be able to tell the difference. Please review this pdf which provides information on identifying a Harmful Algal Bloom. Keep in mind that there is a higher likelihood of potentially toxic algae blooms in the warmer season, particularly during the mid-to late-summer months.

What Are Signs a Dog Is Experiencing Poisoning?

If your dog has been affected by toxic algae, he or she may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Convulsions
  • Blood in stool
  • Jaundice
  • Coma
  • Excessive salivating
  • Difficulty breathing

If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms after being exposed to algae in a freshwater environment, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately to prevent the toxins from absorbing into the system, as it is potentially fatal.

Additional Information