A few notes on this, for the doggos:
1. This is a form of bacteria, not algae. It can be blue-green, bright green, or red, and will look like foam, scum, or spilled paint. The dark green algae found at beaches is NOT the same thing and is not toxic. (Highlighted red because we call it blue-green)
2. It is found in shallow, still, bodies of water. It thrives on warm temperatures and fertilizer. So, be particularly careful if there is (as in this picture) a farm next to the lake or pond.
3. YES it is toxic to humans too. However it’s not as toxic and there is no known case of anyone dying. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, twitching, paralysis, cardiac or respiratory difficulty, liver failure, skin irritation, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues. Go to the ER if you feel sick after swimming in a lake.
4. Don’t let your dogs go in water that is cloudy, has algae blooms like that, or if you are at all unsure. If you do let your dogs swim, rinse them off with clean water if possible.
5. Do not use untreated lake water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. Boiling water does not help nor does simple treatment. So, basically just don’t use lake water. Do not let your dogs drink from the lake or fill their bowl from it. Bring water from home for your dog to drink, and offer your dog water before letting them near a lake so they won’t be thirsty.
6. Not all blooms are toxic. But you should still assume they are.
7. There is no antidote to the toxin. If your dog gets sick after swimming, take them to the vet immediately.
8. The downwind side of the lake is more likely to be affected.
If possible, take your dog to a river to play in the water not a lake.
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