Danger in the Water: Protect Your Pet from Toxic Algae

There's nothing better than watching your dog splash into a lake or chase a ball through the water on a hot summer day. But during the warmer months, some lakes, ponds, rivers, and slow-moving waterways can harbor a hidden and potentially deadly danger: harmful cyanobacteria blooms, often called blue-green algae.

At DoveLewis, we see heartbreaking cases every year of pets who become critically ill after exposure to these toxins. While most bodies of water are safe to enjoy, it only takes one exposure to turn a fun summer outing into a life-threatening emergency.

What Exactly is Toxic Algae?

Despite its common name, blue-green algae isn't actually algae. It's a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Under the right conditions, including warm temperatures, calm water, and excess nutrients such as fertilizer runoff, cyanobacteria can multiply rapidly and form harmful blooms. Some, but not all, of these blooms produce dangerous toxins.

Blooms can appear as bright green, blue-green, brown, or reddish scum on the water's surface, thick mats along the shoreline, or paint-like streaks floating on the water. However, appearance alone isn't a reliable way to tell whether toxins are present. Even water that doesn't look obviously contaminated may still pose a risk, and blooms can change quickly with wind and weather. 

Symptoms of Toxic Algae Exposure in Dogs

Clinical signs can develop within minutes to a few hours after exposure, depending on the type and amount of toxin involved. If your pet develops any of the following signs after spending time in or around the water, seek veterinary care immediately.

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Panting or difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or sudden weakness
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Seizures or muscle tremors
• Collapse

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

• Avoid water that looks scummy, foamy, thick like spilled paint, or unusually green, blue-green, brown, or reddish.
• Check for current advisories before visiting popular lakes or recreation areas through the Oregon Health Authority’s algae bloom webpage.
• Bring fresh drinking water so your dog isn't tempted to drink from lakes, ponds, or rivers.
• Prevent your dog from eating algae mats or dried material along the shoreline.
• Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean water after swimming.

What to Do if You're Concerned

Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

If your dog may have swallowed water from a suspected bloom, swam through one, or licked algae from their coat or paws, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Quick treatment can make a critical difference.

Summer adventures should be memorable for all the right reasons. By staying aware of harmful cyanobacteria blooms and taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your dog safe while enjoying the beautiful waterways.