Blue-Green Algae Dangers to Your Standard Poodle!

The Ins and Outs of Blue-Green Algae

Algae is a common sight in bodies of waters (especially surface waters), as these microscopic plants are recognized as a natural part of any aquatic environment. However, various temperature conditions and other factors can cause what is known as "algae blooms," which turns the water green and often produces an absolutely awful smell. While most algae don't cause any problems, it is the blue-green variety that is highly toxic – wreaking havoc on both people and animals – causing humans to become sick and many dogs to die as a result.

Detecting Blue-Green Algae

Depending on the time of year and location, the toxic algae can become a real problem, especially when it comes to warm, shallow lakes. Dog owners should take extra precaution when the weather is warm and aquatic plants seem abundant and full. There are unique characteristics associated with the algae that give it the ability to wildly grow, including the capacity to utilize nitrogen from the air and water to boost production. When high amounts of the toxic algae are found in waters, an entire body of water may change in appearance. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of changes that can kill your dog.

When blue-green algae takes over water, a cloudy appearance surfaces, causing the water to become a shade of green or blue-green. A cast or hue is often seen. I've walked by ponds and lakes that give off a distinct "musty" or "earthy" odor, which is a result of decomposing algae that has congregated in large floating blankets upon the surface of the water. The worst cases show "surface scum," which consist of dead and decomposing algae.

Usually, when you get up close to blue-algae infested waters, the look is much similar to a natural bowl of pea soup. The presence of algae blooms usually means there is a high chance of toxicity. Toxic algae also appears foamy and may even display a bright green, brown, or red color. While often the water smells bad, there are times it does not.

Blue-Green Algae: Bad For Dogs!

Since blue-green algae looks and smells bad, humans tend to avoid swimming in affected waters, but a dog is not as keen to the scientific dangers that dwell in their refreshing play land. Instead, they plunge deep into the freshwater ponds, lakes, or streams and when they have worked up a sweat – take a swallow or two – which may prove quite fatal under various circumstances.

The level of damage associated with this algae depends on the amount of water or algal cells a dog ingests, the size of the dog, the amount of food in the dog's stomach, the type and amount of toxin within the algae, and the level of sensitivity regarding your dog's breed. A dog compromised by toxic algae may become nauseous; suffer skin irritations or intense skin sores; and/or experience problems with their nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. In the worst cases, a dog may undergo a series of convulsions and then die.

I once came upon a startling account that made me seriously contemplate purchasing a pool for my dog instead of taking him to open water. A Border Collie of nine months went swimming in a Michigan pond, as part of a regular routine of conditioning with her owner and two other doggy companions. This particular trip to the pond went quite sour, as the Border Collie threw up and lost consciousness after drinking some of the pond water. The owner rushed his pet to an emergency veterinarian clinic, where she was hooked up to a ventilator, but sadly did not make it.

The vet explained to the owner that he had recently seen a few cases of dogs losing their lives to blue-green algae toxicity. He then went on to explain that toxic algae blooms not only occur during the late summer or early fall, but can develop at any time of the year (especially in fresh water).

Overall, blue-green algae deposits are scary and I no longer take my dog to the local pond or lake. Depending on the level of contact, a dog may respond as quickly as 15 to 20 minutes after the time of ingestion. If you should ever become faced with an accidental ingestion of toxic algae water, you should immediately wash off your pet's coat (to prevent self cleaning contamination) and take your dog to the vet if you should spot any troublesome signs.

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