Listen up, pet owners! Earlier this summer, several dogs in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas perished after coming into contact with toxic blue-green algae. Although this may seem pretty far from home, it’s really a countrywide problem. The same toxic algae has even been spotted in Nevada, so you’ll definitely want to be on the lookout for this nasty stuff. Not only can it cause a variety of symptoms in humans, but it’s considered deadly for animals. Keep reading and learn how you can keep an eye out for algal blooms and keep your pets safe during your adventures.
A toxic variety of blue-green algae has caused the death of five dogs in the southern region of the United States earlier this month. Although far from the Silver State, Nevadans will still want to be on the lookout for the very same type of algae that was responsible for these tragedies.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is often found in bodies of water during the summertime. The hot temperatures coupled with stagnant water creates the perfect atmosphere for toxic algal blooms, and it's something every pet owner should be aware of.
The algae naturally occurs in many of Nevada's lakes and rivers, especially regions of Lake Mead and Mohave. Most recently, the toxic algae was spotted in two bodies of water located south of Lake Tahoe—Indian Creek Reservoir and Red Lake. Both are popular fishing and swimming areas.
Although not all algal blooms are toxic, experts urge people to keep out of water that contains a blue-green appearance. Some affected water will even have a visible layer of scum on the top, which is a good signifier that blue-green algae is present.
Humans can experience a variety of negative symptoms if algae-infected water is ingested or inhaled, such as skin irritation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, the effect on pets is much more serious and ultimately leads to death.
Take your dog to a veterinarian right away if you notice them experiencing vomiting, convulsions, difficulty breathing, or diarrhea shortly after being in the water. Symptoms are known to pop up quickly in dogs, so it's important to act fast if you suspect they've been in contact with blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae is something you'll definitely want to be aware of as you continue on your summer adventures. A quick dip into the water can certainly be tempting this time of year, but it's important to do your due diligence and make sure the water is safe for you and your animal companions beforehand.
