How to Keep Your Dog Safe against Blue-Green Algae This Summer

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In the summer months, dogs are often a favorite of pet owners going on walks with their dogs to the beaches, lakes, or rivers for an opportunity to cool down and exercise their swimming muscles.

While on these excursions, It is essential to keep an eye on poisonous cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can transform an enjoyable adventure into a tragic accident. These bacteria can be harmful to dogs if eaten or touched, and they’re particularly prevalent in the summer months, where sunny, warm conditions stimulate an increase in growth. Certain areas have already given warnings in the past.

The best method to keep your dog safe during the summer months is to protect them from any water they might be affianced to. Here’s more to be aware of.

What Are Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria is a photosynthetic bacteria that thrive in the water system when exposed to substances like phosphorus and nitrogen, in addition to sunshine in warm and humid temperatures. When the bacteria are present in large quantities – referred to as a bloom, they can release toxic substances that pose a danger to dogs, humans, and other animals. It’s technically not algae.

“The exact toxins and the amounts that are produced is really a consequence of how much nutrient is in the water, what the growing conditions are, the temperature, the light, and so forth,” said Dr. David Caron, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Southern California.

It is typical for cyanobacteria to bloom in ponds, lakes, or other types of fresh water. However, they can also be seen in saltwater. The blooms usually appear at the edges of the water, where it is remarkably calm and quiet in the conditions under which the cyanobacteria flourish. They are shared all over the United States.

Blooms may appear like scum, foam, or mats floating on top of the water, even though they can be found beneath the surface. They’re typically vibrant green but also brown, blue, or red. There are a few cyanobacteria blooms that are harmful. However, in the words of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s difficult to determine from a glance.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to poisoning by cyanobacteria because they usually play and drink near the edge of the water and do not realize they must beware of any algae-like, green substances that could be floating in the water.

“Though fatal poisoning is uncommon, the best thing concerned pet owners can do is keep an eye on their dogs when near wild water sources and prevent them from drinking standing water,” Sarah Hoggan, veterinarian and medical director of the VCA California Veterinary Specialists, stated.

Signs and Symptoms of Cyanobacteria Poisoning

Cyanobacteria toxicants can have different impacts on dogs. Specific toxicants can trigger manageable symptoms, such as irritation of the skin or stomach, While other toxins are more harmful and could cause severe brain damage, liver failure, or even death.

“It really depends on the species of cyanobacteria,” Sarah Hoggan, veterinarian and medical director of the VCA California Veterinary Specialists facility located in Murietta, California, said in an interview via email. “Like any natural substance such as mushrooms, certain varieties are more toxic than other. Apart from specific species of mushrooms, poison is influenced by the amount of cyanobacteria present in the water.”

What to Do if Your Dog Is Exposed

If you suspect or know that your dogs ate or come in contact with toxic cyanobacteria, immediately bringing the animal to a veterinarian is crucial. Make sure to provide as much information as you can about the event–whether your pet was a victim of the bacteria or consumed it, as well as what the appearance of the water was to help in the diagnosis and treatment. Be cautious when handling your dog since they could also be at risk of skin irritation and other health issues from the cyanobacteria. Use protective gloves and wrap your pet in a towel or blanket before handling it whenever you can.

There isn’t much you can do when a dog comes in contact with a highly toxic strain of cyanobacteria. Most cases of these end in death due to severe neurological damage or liver damage can happen rapidly, even if a dog is brought to a veterinarian immediately.

“If it is one of the poisonous strains that causes neurological or liver damage, recovery is not likely,” Hoggan stated. “Sadly these cases, even though uncommon, are usually fatal. If it is one of the species with less poisonous characteristics that produces painful irritation the likelihood of recovery is much better following treatment.”

How to Protect Your Dog

Since toxic cyanobacteria are extremely dangerous, prevention is the best method.

Make sure you have a thorough examination of the water before swimming with your dog. Beware of unclean or stagnant water, and do not allow them to go swimming or drink water that looks like a film, especially when it appears bright blue, bright green, or brown.

“Though fatal poisoning is uncommon, the best thing concerned pet owners can do is keep an eye on their dogs when near wild water sources and prevent them from drinking standing water,” Hoggan explained. “Be prepared for outings and walks by carrying plenty of clean drinking water for your pet than you think you’ll require. It’s always safer to be secure rather than being sorry.”

It is also possible to research the water source or lake you plan to visit before your trip to determine if cyanobacteria have been detected there. Every state and locale has its way of monitoring toxic cyanobacteria and algae blooms. It would be best to research what’s available in your area.

Various local governments across the United States have warned about Blue-green algae blooms in the summer. This includes the states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Kansas, Florida, and New Mexico. It could be anywhere.

If you think you’ve seen a cyanobacteria bloom, snap photos and submit them to the nearest department of environment safety.

“You might be able to bring that to somebody’s attention and begin some monitoring,” Caron stated.