Blue Green Algae
Summer of 2019, news of dog deaths in North Carolina shocked dog owners across the nation. Three dogs died after playing in a pond, while another died after a swim in Georgia, and three others after playing in a lake in Austin. The cause of death, liver failure brought on by ingesting water contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.
Blue-Green Algae is nothing new and many new pet parents may have heard others warning about the dangers. Let’s break it down. What is blue-green algae, where is it, and what are the risks of exposure.
Source: Ron Zurawell, Alberta Environment
What & Where
Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are a type of bacteria found in many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. These bacteria can multiply a lot in the summer, which causes extensive growths called blooms. The algae can be blue-green or greenish-brown and often smell musty or grassy. This bacteria is often found in non-flowing freshwater during hot seasons with little rainfall. Toxic algae can also grow in backyard pools and decorative ponds if they aren’t routinely cleaned.
Exposure
Dogs are more likey to ingest toxic algae because of their typical activities at the river. They may be playing in the water, fetching in and out, or even simply likcing themselves dry after getting out. With high concentrations of these cyanobacteria toxins, consumption can not only poison domestic animals, but humans too.
Symptoms usually arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure:
Diarrhea or vomiting
Drooling
Neurologic signs such as:
Weakness
Disorientation/confusion
Collapse/unconsciousness
Seizures
Breathing difficulties
Avoiding Contamination
Keep your dog leashed around bodies of water, especially if the water appears dirty, foamy, or has mats on the surface of the water.
Don’t let your dog drink out of ponds and lakes
Harmful algae blooms, which can be blue, vibrant green, brown or red, are sometimes mistaken for paint floating on the water. Be aware the toxins aren’t always visible.
Toxic algae often stink, sometimes producing a downright nauseating smell, yet animals may be attracted to the smell and taste of them, according to the EPA.
Causes of Algal Blooms
High loads of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can cause these seasonal blooms. They often persist in stable, slow moving, or stagnant water. The warmer it gets, the more common these blooms are to occur. High light intensity can also cause these batcteriums to proliferate. Irresponsible uses of fertilizers (especially on a commercial scale), poor wastewater management, and waterway damming can all exacerbate an already growing issue due to global climate change. As mentioned in our Pet Poop Problem blog post, leaving our pet poop to decompose can lead to excess contamination and too exacerbate blooms. The EPA estimates that two or three days’ worth of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it.
If you believe your dog has been exposed to cyanobacteria poisoning, do not hesitate to contact your vet. If caught early enough, your vet may be able to flush out the toxins before your dog becomes completely affected. Stay safe and have fun out there.
