05/27/2026
Warning about Blue-Green algae
☀️ Warmer days are here… and so is a hidden danger in the water 💧⚠️
As temperatures rise, blue-green algae (a toxin-producing bacteria) can show up in lakes, ponds, and rivers. It may look harmless—but it can be life-threatening to dogs, people, and other animals.
🐾 For our curious pups (and adventurous humans), even a small exposure can be deadly—and there’s no antidote.
🚫 The best protection? Avoid it completely.
Before letting your dog splash or drink:
✔️ Watch for water that looks green, scummy, like pea soup, or has a bad odor
✔️ Avoid areas with warning signs or visible algae blooms
✔️ Keep pets from drinking or swimming in suspicious water
When in doubt, stay out 💚
Your pet’s safety starts with awareness—check out the infographic below to learn more 👇
What is Blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae is a toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers especially during warm weather spells. They appear as either blue-green or red-brown colored blooms, mats, foam or scum on the water. The water smells of rotting plant material. Exposure to toxins produced by these bacteria can be life-threatening to dogs, humans and other animals.
How can a dog be exposed?
Blue-green algae poisoning occurs when dogs drink or swim in water contaminated by an algal bloom. So make sure to check the water and health department warnings before letting your dog in the water.
What are the Clinical Signs?
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Collapse
• Drooling
• Muscle tremors
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle rigidity
• Paralysis
• Seizures
What should I do if my dog is exposed?
Initiating treatment as early as possible after exposure is critical. Your veterinarian will recommend blood work to look for signs of organ injury, because these toxins can cause liver failure, neurologic injury, shock, & respiratory arrest. There is no specific antidote for cyanotoxins, & treatment involves intensive supportive care. You pet may need to be hospitalized for multiple days.
How do I prevent exposure?
• Avoid water that has visible algal blooms, scum, foam, or that has an odor.
• Check local advisories for warnings before visiting a particular body of water.
• Remove stagnant water to prevent blue-green algae growth around the home.
• If you think your pet may have been exposed to an algal bloom, rinse their fur with fresh water & bring them to a veterinary hospital immediately.
