Dog owners in Colorado have recently been concerned by news reports of blue-green algae in local lakes and are worried. Should they not take their dogs to these lakes? How can they protect their dogs? How worried should they be?
Let’s dig into what we know about blue-green algae and find out what you can do to keep yourself and your dog safe!
Speaking of safe, do you have a Pet First Aid Kit in your car for small emergencies? Check this one out on Amazon. Vet recommended!
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Actually, it’s not algae at all. It’s a particular type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. This bacteria is normally found in lakes all over the country, especially when the water is rich in nutrients it needs to grow. It’s most common in the late-summer months when it’s still warm and the water levels in slow-moving water (like lakes and ponds) are shallow.
Blue-green algae can be described as looking like “pea soup” and can cover a large area or just a small little pocket of standing water. Sometimes it can also be associated with a funky smell.
However, blue-green algae can also be hidden more under the water and in small spots so you never really know if you’re exposed to it or not in many cases.
Why Has It Suddenly Seemed To Be A Problem?
There’s a couple different reasons why blue-green algae is on everyone’s minds:
- Dog Deaths
Reports from Georgia and North Carolina over the past few weeks have described the sudden deaths of several dogs after swimming and playing in ponds and lakes containing blue-green algae.
- Media Coverage
Because of the dog deaths described above, this situation has sparked a large amount of media coverage. It’s crossed into the general news feed of a lot of people and is now on everyone’s minds.
- It’s Late Summer
Late summer is the typical time for blue-green algae to bloom in many locations across the country.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Let’s first point out that in the vast majority of blue-green algae are NOT dangerous!
However, because you can’t tell if the blue-green algae blooming in front of you is toxic or not, it’s best just to steer clear.
Some types of blue-green algae actually produce harmful toxins like microcystins or anatoxins (more info below). Symptoms of a toxic exposure will vary depending on what type of toxin was ingested.
It’s also important to note that even just a few mouthfuls of toxin-infested water can cause potentially fatal issues so again…steer clear of anything that looks like blue-green algae!!
What Symptoms Appear If My Dog Gets Sick?
The two major types of toxins and the clinical signs that they cause are as follows:
- Microcystins – This nasty toxin goes after the liver and can cause massive damage or even liver failure. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, weakness, pale gums, seizures, shock, and coma.
- Anatoxins – This one goes after the nervous system. Clinical signs include excessive salivation and lacrimation (runny eyes), muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, and paralysis. Because this spreads to the respiratory muscles quickly, the breathing is greatly impaired. Imminent signs of respiratory failure include difficulty breathing and a bluish discoloration to the gums and skin.
My Dog Is Showing The Clinical Signs – What Do I Do?
Head to the nearest animal emergency hospital immediately. The rate at which these clinical signs progress is very rapid and very frightening. In the case of liver damage done by microcystins, aggressive treatment needs to be started as soon as possible.
If your dog has ingested anatoxins, you may not even have enough time to get to the emergency clinic. That’s been the situation with the dog deaths described above. If you are able to get to an emergency clinic, aggressive immediate treatment is your dog’s only chance. Even then, death is very likely.
For more information, check out the Pet Poison Helpline.
For more information about this issue in people, check out the CDC’s section on Harmful Algal Bloom-Associated Illness.
Where In Colorado Has Blue-Green Algae Been Reported In 2019?
To be perfectly honest, blue-green algae is very common this time of year. It’s been reported from Boulder down to Colorado Springs in several reservoirs and lakes.
So far no cases linked to ingestion of the toxins that can be produced by blue-green algae have been reported in Colorado in 2019.
How To Prevent Algae Blooms
- Pick up after your dog!!! Not only is this just common courtesy and better for human health, but dog excrement around lakes can contribute to the nitrogen levels that create algae blooms.
- Use Phosphate-free fertilizer! Phosphate-containing fertilizer are another source of nutrients for blue-green algae.
Take Home Point
If you spot what looks like blue-green algae in your local pond or lake, just stay away.
