Pet Patrol: Beware of toxic algae blooms
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — With summer quickly approaching, the heat will become more and more relentless, and while the ocean, ponds or a lake might be the perfect way for people to cool off, that is not necessarily true for pets.
Heat safety is a big concern in the summertime for our pets, and the first instinct is to help cool them down in water. Some dogs are water lovers, and it’s hard to keep them out of ponds and lakes.
However, pet owners should be aware of a toxin known as cyanobacteria, commonly seen as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria can be toxic to dogs and can sometimes be found in warm, stagnant, nutrient-rich freshwater.
An overgrowth of the bacteria is known as a cyanobacterial bloom. Such blooms have been identified in all 50 states, and with higher temperatures and persistent droughts trending more likely, along with more nutrient runoff from lawns and farms, the bacteria is on the rise.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet exposure comes from swallowing contaminated water; breathing in aerosolized toxins; direct contact with contaminated water through swimming; licking water off their fur; or contact with their eyes.
Health effects from cyanobacteria are more serious in animals than in humans. The most frequently reported symptoms are gastrointestinal, including vomiting and foaming at the mouth. Exposure can also cause neurological issues such as stumbling, twitching, tremors or even partial paralysis.
If you think your pet has ingested blue-green algae, it’s important to act quickly. Slower-acting toxins can attack the liver and cause death within several days, but a fast-acting toxin can be fatal within 24 hours.
Pet owners should watch for posted signs about an algae bloom. If there are no signs, inspect the water for foam or something that looks like shimmery paint on the surface. The smell of rotten plants is another indication that something might be awry.
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