End of Summer Warning About Pets from New York State

There is a new warning from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for people with pets or livestock. This time of year, late summer can bring potentially toxic algae blooms to ponds, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water, creating a serious danger for animals.

The kids are headed back to school here in New York State in just a couple of weeks. As a parent, I am looking forward to getting back into the regular routine of fall and all the fun things that come with it. Between football season, hunting season, fall festivals and all the other events happening across the state, New York is a pretty incredible place to be in the fall.

Late Summer Can Bring New Outdoor Dangers

But as summer winds down, certain outdoor hazards can remain, and some can be dangerous to you and your pets.

Related: The Best Day to Hunt Deer in New York State

Ticks have gotten a lot of attention here in New York during the latter part of the summer, especially in August. In some portions of the state, officials are considering or allowing programs designed to reduce large deer herd numbers, which could potentially help address some of the concerns associated with ticks.

But ticks aren’t the only outdoor threat. Another potential danger can be found in certain bodies of water.

"Several types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins and other harmful compounds that can pose health risks to people and animals through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation".

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, harmful algae blooms can be dangerous and, in some cases, fatal to pets and livestock.

How to Protect Your Pets From Harmful Algae Blooms

Protecting yourself and your pets from dangerous algae blooms can be relatively simple if you take the proper precautions. The difficult part is that dogs and other animals can wander into a pond, lake or other body of water before you realize there may be a problem.

Pet and livestock owners should pay close attention to the appearance of the water and follow guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation when harmful algae blooms are reported.

Keeping pets away from potentially contaminated water is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk.

Fall Is Almost Here in New York

As fall approaches, cooler weather and additional rainfall will hopefully help reduce some of the algae bloom concerns that come with the warmer summer months.

There is nothing quite like being in New York State in the fall. The majestic maple trees covering the hillsides and mountains make the horizon look like a giant coloring book.

It is a pretty incredible place to be, and let’s do everything we can to keep ourselves, our families, our pets and our livestock as safe as possible while enjoying it.