06/11/2026
🦠 Blue-green algae poisoning (or cyanobacterial toxicosis) occurs when dogs drink or swim in water contaminated by an algal bloom. Algal blooms are an overgrowth of cyanobacteria that can produce numerous types of toxins (specifically, cyanotoxins). The two most serious types of cyanotoxins (called microcystin and anatoxin), can cause liver or neurologic injury. Shock, liver failure, respiratory arrest and even death can occur.
⚠️ The clinical signs for cyanobacteria toxicosis will vary depending on the specific toxins in the water and may include vomiting , diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, collapse, drooling, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, muscle rigidity, paralysis and seizures.
🐾 If you think your pet may have been exposed to an algal bloom, rinse their fur with fresh water and bring them to a veterinary hospital immediately.
➡ Read how the City of Lethbridge is working on preventing the growth of blue-green algae : https://www.lethbridge.ca/news/posts/fighting-the-summer-slime-at-henderson-lake/
