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Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae

At this time of the year especially, we often see something in our lakes, ponds and rivers called Blue-Green Algae (though sometimes, rather confusingly, it can appear red, black or even a murky brown colour!)  I know lots of you will have heard of it, but what exactly is it and what dangers does it pose for our dogs?

Rain (Voorlooper Rude Not To of Metalrock) decides to take the plunge at Welton, East Yorkshire
Water … is it safe to swim?

With this very warm weather, many of us are opting not to walk our dogs until the late evening, when the sun’s strength is reduced.  Its tempting to visit bodies of water for our dogs to cool off in too, but please steer well clear of stagnant ponds or any bodies of water that show a film, scum or algae.  The water may be a breeding ground for a disease called Leptospirosis or may be playing host to blue-green algae.  As the temperature of the water increases, so too does the likelihood of a highly toxic blue-gree algae bloom.

Blue Green Algae at Welton Waters, East Yorkshire
Blue Green Algae at Welton Waters, East Yorkshire

Algae is usually more concentrated towards the edges of the water but even small amounts can contain lethal doses.  What makes this even more tricky for dog owners is that it can live on the surface or the bottom of the water, so the pond won’t always have a scum on the surface.

Some types of algae produce extremely poisonous toxins and should a dog drink this contaminated water, death is sadly all too common and rapid with symptoms occuring within 15 minutes to an hour of ingestion of it.  Death can result within as little as 10-30 minutes (in some instances, dogs have been found dead at the edge of the water), and certainly within 24 hours of swallowing the toxins.

blue green algae 2
When I posted this blog, I received this great extra comment from Rachel Gaines so thought I’d share it with you:
“Just check the water and local authorities first – then you’ll know if it’s safe or not. I have working Newfies who are constantly in and out of water, some of which has had blue green algae spores in it and other than one incident last year, all has been well. BUT my dogs are used to different waters and algae and I am used to spotting it.  So whilst I would say not all ponds, lakes, puddles etc can be a problem, I would also say just be sensible. As an additional note to yours Kerry, blue green algae can occur in non stagnant water, whether there has been no rain or lots of rain. So it’s not just stagnant water people need to be cautious about. The best thing to do is not walk your dog when it is too hot, take plenty of water with you, then they don’t need to go in water.”

Please remember that even if the dog doesn’t actually drink the contaminated water, if he swims in it and then grooms himself, he will take in the toxins that way too.

Signs to look out for:
* severe vomiting which may contain blood
* breathing difficulties
* collapse and death

Action
So, it is important that if you have any concerns that your dog may have come into contact with blue-green algae, PLEASE SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION.  Although affected dogs can survive if treated quickly, clinical effects may show over a longer period of time and they may develop kidney or liver failure.

N.B.  THIS ADVICE APPLIES TO YOUR CHILDREN TOO!  PLEASE STAY SAFE