Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae:

In New York State there has been an increase in blue green algae. This is not only toxic to humans but to pets as well. When it comes to swimming in lakes, you want to make sure to avoid ones that have that green-scum layer on top of the lake. Why? It’s because during really hot summers and the fall, there’s an increased likelihood of the lake developing a thick “bloom” of algae that floats on the surface.

Blue-green algae, which is also called cyanobacteria, is a microscopic bacteria found in freshwater ponds, lakes, streams, and brackish water ecosystems. Note that not all types of algae are poisonous, but some types (e.g., blue-green) can produce toxins called microcystins and anatoxins. These toxins are so dangerous that they are actually poisonous to other species too: humans, cattle, horses, cats, etc. For this reason, you shouldn’t allow your dog (or child) to swim or drink water that has been potentially contaminated with blue-green algae.

Clinical signs of blue-green algae that produce microcystins, typically include:

Malaise/lethargy
Weakness
Not eating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Black-tarry stool
Collapse
Pale gums
Jaundice (yellow) gums
Shock
Seizures
Death

With blue-green algae that produce anatoxins, symptoms include:

Inability to walk
Hypersalivating
Excessive (eye) tearing
Tremors
Muscle rigidity
Difficulty breathing or blue gums
Death

While it’s impossible to be able to tell if it’s benign or poisonous algae on the pond or lake, it’s best to heed caution and avoid allowing your dog to swim in any body of water that has visible algae on the surface. That’s because even small exposures (as little as 1-2 licks), can potentially result in fatal poisoning. Unfortunately, there is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue-green algae. Immediate veterinary care is imperative.

To learn more about blue green algae in NYS: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm