If you enjoy taking your furry companions onto adventures with you, then you’ll definitely want to know about some nasty toxic algae that’s been spotted in our state. This specific type of blue-green algae has already killed several dogs elsewhere in the country this year, and it’s definitely not to be taken lightly. Coming into contact with water that’s been affected by this type of algae can cause a variety of symptoms in humans, but it can be deadly for pets. Read on to learn all about this algae, where it’s found, and what you can do to avoid it.
Earlier this month, three dogs in North Carolina, a dog in Texas, and a dog in Georgia all perished after playing in water that contained toxic blue-green algae. Although these tragic deaths took place across the country, pet owners should know that this same algae has been spotted throughout Northern California.
Algal blooms tend to take place every summer since the hot weather is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially in stagnant water. Although many blooms are perfectly harmless, some of them can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and deadly to animals.
To lessen your risk of exposure to this toxic algae, experts recommend keeping your distance from bodies of water with a visible blue, green, orange, or brown appearance. Some algae-infected water is easily identified by an unpleasant smell, but not all.
It's important to remember that not all algal blooms are toxic, but it's better to be safe than sorry. You can check out a complete list of places where algal blooms have been reported with this interactive map. The California State Water Resources Control Board works to monitor these locations and test for toxicity at some of them.
Among some of the bodies of water mentioned on the map are places like Lake Almaden in San Jose, San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, and the Klamath River near the Oregon border. Lake Chabot and Big Break in the East Bay have even been permanently closed to swimmers due to the toxic bacteria produced from this algae.
Symptoms begin to show up quickly after a dog has been in contact with blue-green algae, and they can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. If you notice your pet showing any of these symptoms, get them to a veterinarian ASAP.
As the temperatures continue to rise, you may get the urge to seek out a place to cool off with your furry friend. Just be sure to do your research and be vigilant about spotting any signs of blue-green algae at the bodies of water you choose to visit.
