PET CARE
Blue-green algae toxicity in dogs Words by Lisa Walters RVN of Chapel Vets
B
lue-green algae is a term used to describe a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria. They are not actually algae, but the organisms often give the
appearance of algae when they clump together in bodies of water.
Blue-green algae may not always be harmful, but it’s best not to let your dog near the water
The bacteria cannot be seen with the naked eye unless they clump together. When this happens, blue-green algae can look like green flakes, greenish bundles or brown dots in a pond, lake or stream. When the algae blooms, it can look like a blue-green scum has appeared on the surface of the water. It sometimes looks a bit like pea soup.
It is most common in non-flowing fresh water such as lakes and ponds during hot weather when there is less rainfall, but can also occur at other times of the year. You may notice dead fish in ponds or lakes with a high concentration of the toxic bacteria. Concentrations of the algae vary throughout the year and may not always be present.
Why is it dangerous to dogs?
Blooms of blue-green algae can produce harmful toxins which can cause liver failure. Sadly, exposure to toxic blue-green algae is often fatal, and can also cause long term health problems in dogs that survive after drinking or swimming in algae-contaminated water.
Dogs who have been swimming in water can get the algae caught in their fur, and can ingest it while cleaning themselves later on.
Symptoms include:
Vomiting/being sick Diarrhoea Seizures/fitting Weakness/collapse/unconsciousness Disorientation/confusion Drooling Breathing difficulties.
There is no antidote for the toxins produced by the bacteria, but if caught early enough, your vet will likely try to make your dog sick and attempt to flush the toxins from the body before they take hold. Blue-green algae is also toxic to cats but cannot always be identified, as cats roam a vast area when going outside.
If your dog becomes ill after entering water, contact your vet urgently and tell them you are worried about blue- green algae. Keep your dog away from lakes and ponds that you know, or suspect may contain blue-green algae. Dogs should not be allowed to swim or paddle in water that contains blue-green algae.
For further information speak to your local veterinary surgery.
38 | Lifein | July | 01380 734376
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
