If you’ve lived in Utah for very long, you know that every summer we have several lakes that become dangerous when toxic algal blooms get out of control. The blue-green algae can cause serious health problems in humans and pets, and in the last few weeks several dogs have died in other states after being exposed to it. If you have a dog who loves to swim in Utah’s lakes and waterways, you’ll want to take caution.

Some pups love to swim, and they'll jump in any lake, pond, or river they find. Usually, it's a great way for your dog to get some exercise and cool off on a hot, summer day, but this time of year it's smart to keep a look out for algae that can be deadly.
Phil Romans/flickr
Algal blooms occur in bodies of water when cyanobacteria, aka blue-green algae, grows quickly. The burst of growth can occur when temperatures rise, or if there is a high level of phosphorus present.
Roger Bunting/flickr
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality monitors Utah's lakes and rivers. Field scientists test water all over the state weekly, and put up alerts for spots where the algae tests as toxic.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Not all blue-green algae is toxic, and in fact some algae that tests fine one week can test at toxic levels the next. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell which algae is toxic and which is not, unless it is tested.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality

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The blue-green algae looks like green scum, or can make the water look like thick pea soup.
MPCA Photos/flickr
Exposure to toxic algae can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. It can also affect your liver or nervous system.
Utah Health Department
Harmful exposure occurs when you swallow water that contains the algae, or if your skin comes into contact with it. It's even more dangerous for dogs.
USEPA photo by Eric Vance, Public Domain/Wikipedia
Recently, dogs in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia died after swimming in water where toxic algae was present. In 2014, a dog in Utah died after swimming in Utah Lake, which contained toxic algae at the time.
If you suspect that your dog has had contact with water that contains toxic algae, rinse him off with clean water as soon as possible. Signs of dangerous exposure include vomiting, lethargy, and difficult breathing. Visit the veterinarian immediately if your pup develops these symptoms; they can be fatal.
Jaromir Chalabala/Getty Images
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality posts alerts and warnings on its website. Currently, 10 spots around the state have warning or danger alerts.
Utah
Warning alerts have been issued for: Blackridge Reservoir, Calder Reservoir, Manning Meadow Reservoir, Payson Lakes, Utah Lake, Upper Box Creek Reservoir, Wheeler Farm, and Yuba Lake.

A danger alert has been issued for Matt Warner Reservoir, which is completely closed to the public.

Keep an eye on the water quality around the state by visiting the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality page.

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