08/05/2025
⚠️Just a helpful tip to Beware of while owning pets!!⚠️ Green Algae 🚫
Please read if you have time to help save a pet and very expensive veterinarian expenses!!!
In warm weather conditions, especially in areas with stagnant water like ponds, lakes, or even puddles in alleys, green-appearing water could be dangerous for dogs. This is because it may contain harmful algal blooms (HABs), often referred to as blue-green algae, which are actually a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria.
These blooms can produce toxins that are extremely dangerous to dogs, potentially causing severe illness or even death within minutes to hours of exposure.
How dogs can be exposed to green algae
toxins
Drinking contaminated water: Dogs might be tempted to drink from stagnant or slow-moving water in alleys, ponds, or puddles that contain these blooms.
Swimming or playing in contaminated water: Even without drinking the water, swimming or playing in it can expose dogs to toxins that can be ingested when they lick their fur or paws clean.
Eating algal mats: Dogs may be attracted to and eat the musty-smelling mats or dried crust that can form along the shore or in shallow areas where cyanobacteria blooms can accumulate.
Recognizing symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include:
Vomiting and diarrhea
Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
Seizures or tremors
Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
Excessive drooling
Disorientation or confusion
What to do if you suspect exposure
Rinse thoroughly: Immediately wash your dog with clean water to remove any algae from their fur.
Seek immediate veterinary care: Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital without delay, even if symptoms are mild. There is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning, so early treatment is crucial for survival.
Prevention is key
Avoid suspicious water: Do not allow your dog to drink or swim in stagnant ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water that have a bluish-green scum on the surface or around the edges.
Be vigilant: Regularly check local advisories for warnings about harmful algal blooms.
Remove standing water: Eliminate any stagnant water sources around your home that could promote algae growth.
If your dog has outside bowls, wash and rinse Regularly!🧽🫧🧼
A healthy pet is a happy pet! Thanks everyone for reading!🐾
