The warm weather of the summer and early autumn is a great time to get out and about with your dogs, but it can also lead to hidden dangers, especially in lakes and ponds. Warm dry weather can lead to blooms of what are called blue-green algae, or to give it its scientific name, cyanobacteria. This can be dangerous, or even fatal, to dogs.

Keep reading to find out about the dangers of blue-green algae, where you are likely to find it and how you can spot and treat the symptoms.

What is Blue-Green Algae?

Blue-green algae is a naturally occurring bacteria that appears in waterways across the UK. It can contain dangerous and potentially fatal toxins for your pets, as well as birds and livestock. This is even true when they ingest a small quantity. 

The term is used to describe a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria; despite their name, they are not in fact algae. Instead, their name comes from their distinct clumping appearance in bodies of water. Blooms that produce toxins are also known as Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs.  

Where is Blue-Green Algae Found?

It usually occurs in still water, such as lakes and ponds, although it can also build up in slow-moving rivers. However, blooms can occur in both fresh and marine waters.

What Causes the Algae?

The blooms are affected by a number of factors, including water temperature, available nutrients and the amount of rainfall. Hot, dry spells create the perfect environment for harmful blooms to thrive. 

They can also appear in areas with high levels of phosphorus. 

What Does Toxic Algae Look Like?

The algae is likely to appear as greenish-brown, blue-green or green scum on the surface of lakes and ponds. The scum can look like foam, jelly, or paint. 

It can also appear as:

  • Green flakes or bundles
  • Brown dots 
  • A foam around the edges of lakes and ponds 

Dead fish in bodies of water can also be indicative of a high concentration of toxic blue-green algae. This is because the algae photosynthesise during the day, adding oxygen to the water, and then take it away at night. Regardless of whether it does in fact contain algae, you should not let your dog drink from water containing dead fish. 

How Do Dogs Ingest Toxic Algae?

Generally, dogs can swallow it by drinking infected water. Alternatively, they can ingest it if they lick themselves after swimming. Also, toxic blooms can be carried to areas near the water by the wind, so dogs can even come into contact with it if they are not swimming. 

Symptoms To Look Out For

Fast treatment is critical to give your pet a chance of recovery, as symptoms can appear anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours following exposure. Symptoms associated with poisoning include:

  • Blood in their faeces 
  • Seizures 
  • Vomiting 
  • Pale gums
  • Collapse 
  • Muscle tremors 
  • Paralysis
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Drooling 
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Disorientation 

How To Avoid Algae Poisoning

To avoid potential contamination, it is recommended by the BVA (British Veterinary Association) that you: 

  • Keep your dog on a lead near contaminated bodies of water 
  • Keep them away from the water entirely if you are unsure 
  • Do not let your pets drink from or swim in affected water 
  • Wash their coat thoroughly with clean water after they have been swimming 
  • Turn to safer methods of keeping your dog cool 
  • Get emergency treatment from a veterinarian if you are worried that your pet may have eaten toxic algae 

Where there is a known outbreak, the Environment Agency will often put up signs warning dog owners, or close areas around lakes and ponds completely.

You can also help others by reporting algae that you have spotted that does not appear to have warning signs in place. This can be done through the Environment Agency.

What To Do If Your Dog May Have Been Exposed

If you think your dog has been in water that contains blue-green algae, then you should rinse them down with clean water as soon as possible, to prevent further ingestion. If you spot any of the symptoms above, then you should contact your vet immediately. This is because it is likely to lead to fatal liver failure.

Dogs that survive poisoning can also experience long-term health complications. 

Ultimately, there is no known antidote to the toxins contained in blue-green algae, so it is best to avoid contact in the first place, where possible. To keep your dog safe, you need to be in control of them at all times, even when they are enjoying a run off the lead in parks and woodland areas. This includes making sure they obey recall commands when they go near water. You should also carry fresh water with you on your walks, to reduce the risk of your dog wanting to drink from affected ponds or streams.

Blue-Green Algae FAQs

How Long Does Blue-Green Algae Normally Take to Effect Dogs?

Symptoms can appear within 15 minutes, or even hours from when they are exposed to toxic algae. That is why it is vital that you seek treatment as soon as possible. 

What Treatment Is There for Blue-Green Algae Poisoning?

There is no known antidote for the poisoning; this is why it is vital to get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. They are likely to try to flush the toxins from the body before they take hold by making your dog sick. 

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Blue-Green Algae Poisoning?

Symptoms that can develop are as follows:

  • Blood in their faeces 
  • Seizures 
  • Vomiting 
  • Pale gums
  • Collapse 
  • Muscle tremors 
  • Paralysis
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Drooling 
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Disorientation 

If left untreated, the condition is likely to be fatal, causing sudden death.

Can Dogs Survive Blue-Green Algae Poisoning?

The faster they get treatment, the more likely they are to survive. This is because there is a chance that the toxins can be flushed out through medically induced vomiting. However, there is sadly no known antidote for the poisoning once the toxins have taken hold.

Can Humans Be Harmed By The Algae?

Humans can experience negative effects from contact with blue-green algae. The side effects can include:

  • Headaches 
  • Fever 
  • Skin rashes 
  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea 
  • Stomach pains 
  • In some occasions, it can even lead to serious complications like liver and brain damage 

Children are also at a higher risk of experiencing serious complications. It is important to seek medical advice if you think you may have come into contact with the algae. 

Does the Algae Affect Cats?

Yes, blue-green algae can also affect cats. In the event that your cat has ingested toxic algae, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. This is because, like with dogs and other animals, the complications can quickly become fatal. 

A&T Trained Dogs can provide the training you need to feel comfortable and confident with your dog in the great outdoors. Contact us to learn more.