The Dangers of Blue-Green Algae: Keeping Your Dog Safe at Summer Lakes

As summer starts to wind down, you might be looking forward to late-August activities like barbecues, hiking, and enjoying the water and sunshine with your furry friend at your favorite lake.

However, the refreshing lake surface may hide a serious threat to your dog's health: blue-green algae.

This article will explore blue-green algae, their harmfulness, and how to protect your beloved pup from their potentially lethal effects.

What Are Blue-Green Algae, and Are They Dangerous to Dogs?

Despite their name, blue-green algae are not actually algae but a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are not visible to the naked eye, but they often clump together, forming what looks like algae in bodies of water.

Blue-green algae blooms can pose a significant health risk to dogs.

The danger lies in the toxins produced by cyanobacteria, specifically anatoxins and microcystins. If ingested, these harmful toxins may lead to severe health issues in dogs.

Dogs that love to fetch toys from the water are at higher risk, as they are more likely to ingest contaminated water. Additionally, dogs may lick the toxic bacteria off their fur or paws after swimming in or near infested waters. If you suspect your dog has come into contact with blue-green algae, seek veterinary care immediately.

Identifying Dangerous Waters for Your Dog

Blue-green algae thrive in non-flowing fresh water.

Stagnant water bodies, such as ponds and lakes, are common breeding grounds for this toxic bacteria. Toxic algae can also grow in backyard pools and decorative ponds if not routinely cleaned.

What Do Blue-Green Algae Look Like in Water Bodies?

Blue-green algae can be difficult to distinguish from other types of algae.

Harmful algal blooms may appear as green scum on the water's surface or give the water a green, soupy look. These blooms can also be blue, vibrant green, brown, or red and are sometimes mistaken for paint floating on the water.

How Can You Tell if a Lake Is Safe for Your Dog to Enter?

When visiting any area with a water feature, ensure the water is moving and clear of discoloration. Stagnant or discolored water is more likely to contain toxic cyanobacteria. Always inspect the water for signs of algal blooms before allowing your dog to enter.

Does Warm Weather Affect the Presence of Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria are more prevalent during warm weather, particularly in hot seasons with little rainfall. Warm temperatures and high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen create ideal conditions for algal blooms.

Stable, slow-moving, or stagnant water further contributes to the growth of toxic blue-green algae. Additionally, intermittent exposure to high light intensity can encourage these harmful bacteria to thrive.

Immediate Dangers of Blue-Green Algae Exposure to Dogs

Exposure to toxic blue-green algae can lead to acute and severe health issues in dogs. If not treated immediately, the rapid progression of symptoms can be fatal. Here are four immediate dangers of blue-green algae exposure to dogs:

Immediate Symptoms

• Vomiting: Dogs may start vomiting shortly after ingesting blue-green algae.
• Diarrhea: Severe and watery diarrhea can occur, leading to dehydration.
• Seizures or Fitting: Neurological symptoms such as seizures or fitting may develop.
• Weakness, Collapse, or Unconsciousness: Affected dogs may show signs of extreme weakness, collapse, or even loss of consciousness.
• Disorientation or Confusion: Dogs may appear disoriented or confused, exhibiting abnormal behavior.
• Drooling: Excessive drooling is a common symptom of toxic exposure.
• Breathing Difficulties: Dogs may experience difficulty breathing due to respiratory distress.

4 Life-Threatening Symptoms

1. Toxic Exposure: Anatoxins and microcystins can cause severe dog poisoning.
2. Neurological Issues: Exposure to these toxins can lead to severe neurological problems, including seizures and paralysis.
3. Liver Failure: The toxins can cause acute liver failure, which is often fatal if not treated promptly.
4. Respiratory Paralysis: In severe cases, the toxins can lead to respiratory paralysis, making it difficult for dogs to breathe and potentially leading to death.

How Quickly Can Blue-Green Algae Toxins Affect Dogs?

Depending on the amount of toxins ingested, symptoms can appear within minutes to hours. The rapid onset of symptoms means that immediate action is crucial to prevent severe health issues.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Blue-Green Algae

• Leash Your Dog around Water Bodies: Keep your dog leashed around bodies of water, especially if the water appears dirty, foamy, or has mats on the surface.
• Avoid Drinking from Ponds and Lakes: Don't let your dog drink from ponds, lakes, or any stagnant water sources.

3 Steps to Take if You Suspect Blue-Green Algae Poisoning in Your Dog

• Rinse with Fresh Water: Immediately rinse your dog with fresh, clean water to remove any algae from their fur and skin.
• Seek Veterinary Care: Contact your veterinarian immediately for professional medical assistance. Rapid response is crucial to increase the chances of recovery.
• Use Activated Charcoal: If advised by your vet, have activated charcoal on hand to detoxify the toxins inside your dog's body. Activated charcoal binds to the toxins, helping to expel them through the excretory system. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend inducing vomiting to remove ingested toxins.

Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy with Volhard!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. Bates, Nicola. "Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) exposure in dogs." Companion Animal, vol. 23, no. 5, 2 May 2018, pp. 256–263, https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2018.23.5.256.
2. Livesay, Hannah N., et al. "Algae-associated illnesses in humans and dogs and presence of algae on buildings and other structures." Clinical Microbiology Newsletter, vol. 43, no. 2, 7 Jan. 2021, pp. 9–13, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2020.12.006...
3. Puschner, Birgit. "Cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) toxins." Veterinary Toxicology, 9 Feb. 2018, pp. 763–777, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-811410-0.00057-...
4. "Blue-Green Algae and Its Dangers to Dogs." Blue Cross, www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/blue-green-algae-... Accessed 11 July 2024.
5. "Blue-Green Algae Poisoning: Cyanobacteria Toxicosis." Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-insti... Accessed 11 July 2024.
6. Carney, Miranda. "Blue-Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention." American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 15 July 2022, www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/blue-green-algae-s... Accessed 11 July 2024.

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