- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Reviewed by Melissa Sanger, LVT, on July 19, 2022
Veterinarians, environmental groups and news agencies continue to warn dog parents that some lakes and ponds contain Algae is toxic to dogs. If your dog is a swimmer, you’ll want to read on.
Under special conditions, including hot summer days, blue-green algae blooms in freshwater bodies can produce extremely dangerous biotoxins. There is no known antidote to the poison, and it is a very serious threat to pets, humans and livestock.
Here’s what we know about blue-green algae toxins and how to keep your pets safe.
What type of algae is toxic to dogs?
Algae toxic to dogs goes by several names. Their real identity is cyanobacteria, are a giant group (whole kingdom) of single-celled photosynthetic organisms. They are also known as blue-green algae and sometimes called phytoplankton (small plants floating in water).
Among the types of cyanobacteria is the cause of most toxic blooms in freshwater, Microcystis, Dolichospermum (formerly Anabaena) and Planktothrix are some of the most common. The poisons they produce are called cyanotoxin (literally blue-green poison), and the two are special interest when it comes to dogs: microcystins and anatoxin.
Believe it or not, there are other types of cyanobacteria that people commonly eat, including Spirulina and Athospira. Most cyanobacteria aren’t dangerous, but some are literally deadly.
Blue-green algae are always present in freshwater ponds and lakes. Under certain conditions, algae bloom, forming dense mats or thin, oil-like films that cover a large area of the water’s surface. The combination of hot weather and nutrient fortification from nitrogen-rich sources (such as fertilizer runoff or animal waste) encourages algae growth. When the algae bloom, it also increases the release of potent neurotoxins into the surrounding water.
The Pet Poison Helpline issued a stark warning about exposure to cyanobacteria: “While most cyanobacteria blooms do not produce toxins, the presence of toxins cannot be determined without testing. Therefore, all bloom substances should be considered potentially toxic. Very small contact, such as a few sips of water contaminated with algae, can lead to deadly poisoning. “
Common places where a dog can be exposed
During and shortly after cyanobacterial blooms, dogs can be exposed when swimming in lakes, ponds, temporary puddles from seasonal flooding and standing water, such as in abandoned swimming pools. The water is usually green in color and may have a shiny green color and/or visible algae mats.
It is not possible to judge whether water is healthy or harmful by its appearance.
Many fresh ponds and lakes are green, so it’s impossible to tell if the water is healthy or toxic just by looking at it. If you live in an agricultural area, keep in mind that water used for irrigation and aquaculture can also contain cyanotoxins when conditions are right.
How can dogs be exposed to toxic algae?
Dogs are exposed by drinking or licking poisonous water. Drinking directly from a pond, swallowing water while swimming, or licking their wet coat after swimming are common exposure routes.
Some dogs have been exposed by licking their own fur after being sprayed with toxic pond water by another dog after swimming. Cyanotoxin is extremely powerful.
My dog was exposed. What now?
If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, take them directly to your vet or an emergency vet. Every moment counts because cyanotoxin acts very quickly.
Unfortunately, there is no antidote to the toxins produced by blue-green algae.
The Pet Poison Helplinewith Veterinary nurses todayList the signs of cyanotoxin exposure:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
- Pale mucous membranes
- Jaundice
- Convulsions
- Disorientation
- Comatose
- Shock
- Excessive secretions (eg, salivation, tearing, etc.)
- Neurological signs (including tremors, muscle stiffness, paralysis, etc.)
- Skin and mucous membranes turn blue
- Shortness of breath
- Finally death
The helpline emphasizes the importance of emergency veterinary treatment if you suspect your dog has been exposed. “Unfortunately, there is no antidote to the toxins produced by green algae. Immediate veterinary care is required.”
Recent interviews with people who have lost dogs to cyanotoxin poisoning noted that the first signs of trouble include their dogs losing control of their bodies – tremors, soft muscle tone, salivation and behavior disorientation.
Different cyanotoxins will produce different symptoms. Microcystins cause liver damage, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stools, disorientation, seizures, and coma. Microcystin poisoning can lead to death within 4 hours to several days of exposure due to liver failure.
Anatoxin causes neurotoxicity, which includes symptoms such as muscle stiffness, paralysis, tremors, and shortness of breath. Anatoxin poisoning can lead to death within minutes to hours of exposure.
How Vets Diagnose Cyanotoxin Exposure
Veterinarians diagnose cyanotoxin exposure based on three lines of evidence Merck . Veterinary Manual:
- Dog owner’s report of recent exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom
- Signs and symptoms of poisoning
- Analysis of tissues affected by poison
Treat affected dogs
Intensive care is required to treat any exposure to algae that is toxic to dogs. This may include anticonvulsant medication and giving your dog supplemental oxygen when you visit your veterinarian’s office or animal hospital. Unfortunately, like VCA Hospital explained, “The poisons enter the system so quickly that the animal often becomes ill before medical attention is sought.” This means it is too late to remove the toxins, limiting treatment to supportive care, which may include IV fluids, plasma, muscle relaxants, and other therapies.
Dogs with suspected exposure but no symptoms can be given a single dose of activated charcoal along with plenty of fresh water and high-quality food. Your veterinarian may also choose to treat your dog with oral medications to absorb toxins in the digestive tract, inject drugs that block harmful compounds produced during liver failure, or may inject drugs into the dog’s stomach. dog to remove its contents.
K_Thalhofer via iStock
How do I keep my dog from being exposed?
Prevention is key. Merck . Veterinary Manual how to explain Treating freshwater sources to prevent the growth of cyanobacteria can be helpful for dog owners with ponds or standing bodies of water on their premises.
The best way to prevent exposure is to prevent dogs from coming into contact with freshwater standing in abandoned ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and swimming pools. If that’s difficult, you can reduce your dog’s risk of cyanotoxin exposure by keeping them away from all water with visible green or algae mats or foul-smelling water. Do not allow your dog to chew on algae mats or on sticks with algae attached to them.
Of course, foul-smelling water is very appealing to dogs, so it’s important to keep your dog on a leash in any area where fresh water is available. A quick internet search for algae blooms in your area will notify you of any bodies of water that have been closed off due to algae blooms.
Digging a little deeper can tell you which bodies of water have been inspected by local authorities, like this helpful site from Indiana Department of Environmental Management. If you see any toxic algae danger signs posted at your favorite swimming hole, please read them and keep them in mind.
If you are unsure about whether it is safe for your dog to play in the water, the CDC advises, “When in doubt, it’s best to stay away!“
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