Keeping Your Dog Safe Against Deadly Blue Green Algae

If your dog likes to swim in the lakes or other open-water areas, or drinking them when you go out on a picnic, this article is important for you.

Blue-green algae  can be a potential toxins for dogs, in this article, we will talk blue-green algae and its effects on dogs in more detail, as well as give some advices

What are blue-green algae and why is it a problem?

Blue-green algae, also known scientifically as Cyanobacteria, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria. These accumulations are frequently referred to as 'blooms'.
Blue-green algae blooms are likely to occur more often when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can accumulate in thick layers at the surface or water's edge.
Blooms are most often blue-green in colour but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown.

The problem is:

Blue-green algae reproduce rapidly in lakes and ponds in shallow water, with adequate amounts of sunlight, warm air and water temperatures, calm winds, and sufficient amounts of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.

Some blue-green algae produce natural toxins.  When these algae die and break down, toxins are released into the water.  If animals or humans ingest the toxin, they can be quickly paralyzed and die.

Exposure symptoms may include: 

nausea diarrhea, or vomiting; irritation of skin, nose, throat, or eye; dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, or nervous system damage.

Most blooms are not toxic, but if you encounter blue-green algae, treat it as if it could be toxic.  Don’t let your pets or children play in the water.

Diagnosis of blue green algae poisoning

If your dog is swimming or drinking from an outdoor water source and exhibits any of the above symptoms, take them to your veterinarian as a matter of urgency. You should explain to your veterinarian where your dog was, and if possible, take a sample of water from where your dog was for testing.

Blood and urine tablets can help your veterinarian make a final diagnosis, but the time of your dog's activities and the water they were in is the most important diagnostic tool.

Can poisoning be treated?

Treatment can be difficult, as water is rapidly absorbed from the body, and the toxins associated with it. The faster you can get help, the more chances your dog will survive

If your dog can be taken to a veterinarian quickly after ingestion, he or she may be given a restricted dose to encourage him to vomit water or a product such as activated charcoal to absorb as much of it as possible in the stomach.

See: how blue-green algae killed three dogs

Keep your dog safe

Blue-green algae in water often make the water look green, and you may already be able to see huge algae blooming inside the water. However, it is not always possible to know if water is blooming, just because the water looks clear and clean, you should not assume it is. Even the water in which your dog regularly swim or drink can be affected blooms, so you should not consider any particular water body safe, especially in hot weather when water levels are low.

Do not let your dog swim or drink from unknown water sources.If your dog is swimming outside, wash it when you return home.


sources : 
Agriculture victoria 
Lake Champlain Land Trust