The Dangers of Blue-Green Algae and Your Dog

As the warm weather moves in, many of us are making summer vacation plans. Whether you plan on sticking around home, visiting local beaches and hiking trails, or travelling further away to enjoy the great outdoors, there is one risk that you need to be aware of. Today we’re going to discuss the dangers of blue-green algae.

Last year, a North Carolina family made news for a very tragic reason. They had no idea that their lives would change after visiting a nearby pond for some playtime with their dogs.

In just over 24 hours all 3 dogs passed away.

The reason? During their time at the pond, they were exposed to blue-green algae, a toxic bacterium that is usually fatal to dogs.  

Their owner, Melissa Martin, shared her tragic story on Facebook in the hope of preventing another family from experiencing the same pain.

Despite the fact that this risk is so often fatal, many dog owners are unaware of the dangers or what to look for.

Before you pull out your kayak or head out for some puppy playtime in the water this summer, let’s discuss the dangers of blue-green algae and how you can keep your dog safe!

What Is Blue-Green Algae?

Despite its name, blue-green algae isn’t actually a type of algae at all. It’s a type of microscopic bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

It gets its name due to the way that it presents in our waterways.

When the bacteria all clump together, they form a substance that looks like algae on the surface of freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and other water ecosystems.

While it is most often a blue-green colour (hence the name), it can come in different colours including olive-green, red and brown.

While the bacteria may be present in our waterways year-round, it is far more prevalent during periods of hot weather.

It is most often seen in the late summer and early fall.

Not only is cyanobacteria toxic to dogs, It can also be harmful to humans and other animals.

Therefore, it is important that we learn to recognize an algae bloom and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our families.

Here in Ontario, the province has committed to a 12-point plan to fight these algae blooms in the Great Lakes and other waterways. You can read more about it on the Ontario.ca website.  

Is My Dog At Risk?

As I previously mentioned, blue-green algae is harmful to humans and animals, however, dogs are highly susceptible to it’s harmful effects.

Not only are dogs at risk if they drink from an infected water source, the bacteria can collect on your dog’s coat when they swim.

This prolongs their chance of exposure, as they may then ingest the bacteria while grooming themselves.

While your vet may be able to flush the toxins from your dog’s system if treatment begins soon enough after exposure, there is no known antidote.

This is why it is SO important to educate yourself on the dangers of blue-green algae and how to react according. Your ability to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention could mean the difference between life or death.

If your dog enjoys swimming in local waterways or if you regularly take part in recreational activities on the water including canoe, kayaking and paddle boarding with your dog, then your dog may be at risk.  Hunting dogs are also high risk.

This doesn’t mean that you need to stop these activities (I know that I won’t be)…

However, it does mean that you need to be aware, knowledgeable, and diligent!

Related: ‘Veterinarians Warn About the Risks Associated with Playing This Popular Summer Game with Your Dog’

Signs/Symptoms of Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

If your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, symptoms will present anywhere from 15 minutes after exposure to several days later.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs include:

• Excessive drooling
• Weakness/Lethargy/Collapse
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Confusion/Disorientation
• Unconsciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

What To Do If Your Dog Is Exposed

If you have been in or near a waterway and believe that your dog has been exposed, you should rinse your dog off immediately with clean water.

This will remove the bacteria from your dog’s coat, preventing any further exposure.

Call your veterinarian immediately!

While there is no antidote to blue-green algae poisoning, your veterinarian may be able to flush the toxins from your dog’s system and minimize damage if it is addressed quickly enough.  

Tips To Prevent Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

Experts are reporting the presence of toxic blue-green algae blooms across Canada and the United States.

While the process to fight and remove these toxins from our waterways is a large (and costly) project that can’t be solved by a single person like you and I, we can take steps to keep our families safe!

Always do a visual inspection before heading out on a body of water. If you see any signs of blue-green algae, it’s far safer to call off your plans.

As previously mentioned, the algae blooms can range in colours from blue-green to red.

It is often described as looking like painting floating on the surface of the water. The water may also have a ‘pea soup’ appearance.

Pay attention to the smell in the area when you are in and around a body of water.

Toxic algae blooms often give off a distinct scent. Fresh blooms give off a scent that has been described as ‘fresh mown grass’ while older blooms often have an unpleasant or rotten smell.

NEVER allow your dog to drink out of stagnant ponds, lakes or other water sources. This is especially true if the water has a scum-like appearance on the surface or along the shore.

Always take the time to rinse your dog down with clean water following a swim.

If you get into the habit of doing this regularly, it will simply become part of the process. It doesn’t have to be a full bath, just a quick rinse immediately after to remove any potential toxins.

Cyanobacteria isn’t always visible – Better safe than sorry!

If you are out hiking near waterways that you are unfamiliar with, keep your dog on a leash.

This will allow you to control their access to potentially harmful waterways. You never know if there is an access point just off the hiking trail!

Related: ‘Must-Have Camping Gear for Dogs’

Always listen to the posted recommendations regarding swimming from your local health unit.

Public beaches and highly trafficked waterways are tested regularly for any sign of harmful bacteria. If it has been posted that it is unsafe for swimming, this also includes your dog!

Remember, they are more susceptible to the dangers of blue-green algae.

In addition to the signage posted at beaches and public access points, pay attention to the news in your area (or the area that you plan on travelling to).

If an area is experiencing a high rate of blue-green algae, they will often turn to the media for help in warning the residents. This is a good indication that it’s better to avoid all waterways in that area, even the lesser known or private areas.

If you do live on a lakefront property or have a pond in your yard, make sure that you are keeping up with regular maintenance.

This includes necessary chemical treatments and filtration systems for ponds as well as maintenance of the shoreline for waterfront locations. This will help you to stay aware of any potential risks as the algae blooms are often found gathering along the shoreline when the wind conditions are right.

Reduce the nutrients going into waterways that could be encouraging growth by checking septic systems for any leaks as well as avoiding the use of fertilizers. Stay on top of cleaning up pet waste.

If you are looking for more information about the health risks of exposure to blue-green algae or you suspect that you have found a blue-green algae bloom, contact your local health unit.

Were you aware of the dangers of blue-green algae? What steps are you taking to keep your family safe?