What is blue green algae ?
Before you let your pup jump into a pond, lake or river this summer, pause for a minute. Does any part of the water have what looks like a layer of green-, blue-, or red-tinged paint floating on top?
Cyanobacteria, nicknamed blue-green algae due to its colorful appearance, is one of the most toxic and potentially life-threatening water hazards. Cyanobacteria is microbacteria that can accumulate in lakes, streams, ponds and brackish water bodies. Under the right settings – stagnant water, sunlight and high water temperatures – cyanobacteria can accumulate rapidly into algal “blooms”
WHO IS AT RISK
Dogs, humans and other animals that play in water bodies are at greatest risk of exposure to harmful algal blooms. Animals and humans that drink from natural water bodies are also at heightened risk of exposure.
PREVENTION IS KEY.
Avoid water that is foamy, scummy, or has a thick blue-green-red film floating on top.
Many states publish algal bloom adversaries online for monitored lakes and rivers, so never hesitate to do a quick google search before leaving home.
Never allow your pup to drink out of stagnant water, especially if it has blue-green scum floating around the edges. Minimize this risk by always having clean drinking water on hand.