Summertime means afternoons at the lake, and dogs usually want to come along. What are the dangers of blue green algae for dogs? Are cats ever affected?
What is Blue Green Algae?
What is referred to as toxic blue green algae is not technically an algae. It actually refers to certain strains of cyanobacteria (or microcystin) present in algae that produce toxins. Toxic blue green algal blooms often multiply in lakes during late summer, when the water is warm and rain is scarce. Run-off from fertilizer and waste often contributes to the increase of cyanobacteria.
Water infected with blue green algae usually has patches of scum or streaks on the surface that resemble motor oil or thick paint. Though often blue green, the algae can also be neon green, pea green or even reddish brown. The water usually has a bad odor and taste.
Symptoms of Cyanobacteria Poisoning in Dogs
The signs of toxic blue green algae poisoning usually occur within one to four hours of exposure, said Dr. Bryan Welty, a veterinarian in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“It starts off with lethargy and depression,” he said. “They just don’t feel good. Then it is followed up by vomiting and diarrhea, and eventually these toxins can cause shock and even death.”
Cyanobacteria exposure can also cause seizures and tremors, which can happen immediately after exposure, Dr. Welty said. A dog is typically exposed through drinking contaminated water, but the toxin can also be absorbed through the skin.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog following exposure to lake water, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to an emergency clinic. Neurological or liver damage from blue-green algae toxicity can be treated if caught early enough.
How to Keep Dogs Safe in Water
Check with your state agency that deals with environmental quality to see if it monitors the levels of toxic blue green algae or cyanobacteria (microcystin) in area lakes. Nebraska does extensive testing on its lakes, and the Department of Environmental Quality issues a health alert whenever the level of micocystin in a particular lake reaches 20 parts per billion. However, testing is not always reliable, and you will still want to take precautions. “The problem is that you don’t know what’s happened between the last time it was tested and when it’s going to be tested next,” Dr. Welty said.
The safest thing is not to bring your dog to the lake if you think there is a danger from blue green algae, said Dr. Welty. If you do bring your dog to the lake, bring plenty of drinking water for the dog . This may keep the dog from drinking lake water. Monitor your dog’s activity in the water. A dog that merely wades in the water for a short time is not likely to become exposed to many toxins, but a pet that splashes in and out of contaminated water all afternoon is at much higher risk.
After your dog goes in a lake, clean it off immediately with a towel and keep it from licking its fur. Wash your dog thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible.
Can Cats Be Affected by Cyanobacteria Algae?
Cats can also develop problems if exposed to toxic blue green algae, Dr. Welty said. However, a cat is much less likely to become exposed to the substance for two reasons.
First, cats are much more particular about the type of water they drink. “They tend to look for water that is extremely crystal clear,” Dr. Welty said. “They don’t want anything on the surface of the water or they won’t start drinking it.”
Second, cats usually do not like to go in the water. However, in rare instances a cat will go swimming. If a cat is exposed to lake water, it needs to be monitored for symptoms of blue green algae toxicity.
Toxic blue green algae poisoning is a real danger to dogs and cats, but it’s 100 percent preventable, if you take the right steps to protect your pet. If you suspect a lake might contain blue green algae, simply leave your pet at home or choose a different lake. If exposed, take steps to clean your pet thoroughly and call your veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Sources:
FACT SHEET: Precautions and facts regarding toxic algae at Nebraska Lakes (www.deq.state.ne.us)
Dr. Bryan Welty, veterinarian at Capitol Animal Clinic, Lincoln, Nebraska, quoted with permission
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