This expert response comes from Dr. Amy Nichelason, clinical assistant professor of primary care services.
Question: As a dog owner who likes to spend time on or near the water during the summer, what do I need to know about the threat of blue-green algae?
Answer: Much like humans, dogs are drawn to water during the hot summer months, but they don’t think twice before jumping into a lake for a swim or a drink on a sweltering day. As the temperatures rise, however, so too does the number of dogs who end up in the emergency room after ingesting dangerous levels of blue-green algae – a toxic cyanobacteria that can result in severe neurologic damage, liver damage, or death. These toxic algal blooms, which are most often found on stable, slow-moving, or stagnant water during warmer summer months, typically appear as pea-green slime on the water’s surface, but they can also appear as green, brown, red, pink, blue, and sometimes even foamy. Algal blooms can also emit a foul odor that is often described as swampy or fishy. However, there is no way to visually confirm if an algal bloom is toxic or not. If you see one, you should avoid it and alert public health authorities.
The good news is there are some simple rules you can follow that will go a long way in keeping you and your pet happy, healthy and safe this upcoming summer:
- Check with the local public health department about blue-green algae outbreaks in the area prior to heading out for a day of swimming and/or boating with your dog.
- Never allow your dog to drink, swim or paddle in stagnant ponds, lakes or other bodies of water that have obvious signs of blue-green algae. Dogs can get fatally sick from just licking the toxic bacteria off their fur or paws.
- If you suspect your dog was exposed, immediately wash your pet off with clean water and contact your veterinarian for advice.
If your dog is showing any of the following symptoms after suspected exposure, you should immediately go to a local ER veterinarian: diarrhea or vomiting; drooling; weakness or tremors, disorientation/confusion; collapse/unconsciousness; seizures; or breathing difficulties.
There is no antidote, so prevention is key. Symptoms could arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure. Early intervention is critical; if caught early your veterinarian may be able to flush the toxins from your dog’s system before they become severely ill. However, exposure can be fatal or result in long term complications.