Blue-Green Algae
Blue-Green Algae – Adapted from Wisconsin Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Health
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, naturally grows in bodies of water around Minnesota and around the world. 50% of states report a harmful algae bloom every year in freshwater. It thrives on warm, sunny weather and usually form during the summer in Minnesota (May–September). This bacteria is so important because it can be deadly.
WHAT DOES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE LOOK LIKE?
Blue-green algae blooms are often smelly, look like spilled paint or pea soup, and can change the color of the water to green, blue, turquoise, purple, tan, or white. Some blooms form a layer of scum or mats on the surface of the water. While some blooms can stay in the same location for a long time, others can quickly come and go with changing currents and wind patterns.
WHY IS BLUE-GREEN ALGAE TOXIC TO DOGS AND HUMANS?
Blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins, called cyanotoxins which affect the nervous system and liver. Cyanotoxins can make people and animals sick and die after they swallow, breathe in, or have contact with the water.
WHAT SIGNS WILL I SEE WITH BLUE-GREEN ALGAE TOXICITY?
Clinical signs with the liver toxin are vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, shock, icterus, and potentially death within 24 hours to several days. Clinical signs seen with the neurological toxin occur rapidly with the onset of tremors, lethargy, seizures, respiratory distress, and death within an hour.
HOW DO I AVOID BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Avoid water that looks like spilled latex paint, is discolored or streaky, has small green dots floating in it, has dead fish or other animals, or looks like green pea soup. Do not let your dog swim in places where beach closure and water quality notices are posted. Supervise your dog at all times and do not let your dog eat algal scum/mats or lick algae off of its fur. Always offer fresh, clean water for your dog to drink instead of lake, river, or pond water. If you have any doubt about what is in the water, keeping your dog out is the safest thing to do.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY DOG COMES INTO CONTACT WITH BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Immediately wash your dog and yourself with clean water. Watch your dog for any vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, weakness, seizures, or extreme tiredness and seek immediate veterinary attention if observed. If your dog has a known exposure to blue-green algae please contact your veterinarian immediately.
