Don’t you just love summer. Long balmy days of sunshine and warm weather. How natural therefore that the rise in temperatures often leads us to find bodies of water for us to help our dogs to cool off in. However, sometimes the water, often still water like shallow lakes, could be dangerous to drink or swim in. The dangerous element is a toxic substance often called “blue-green algae,” or to give it its actual name, cyanobacteria.
Normal algae are simple plants; Cyanobacteria however refers to a group of microorganisms that possess characteristics of harmless algae, but differ from algae in that they produce highly potent toxins.
The combination of high temperatures and shallow water causes a sudden and highly visible “bloom” of blue-green scum on the surface of the water. This “bloom” is also responsible for the release of the toxins into the surrounding water.
Oral consumption of the cyanobacteria can be quite toxic. In fact, exposure to cyanobacteria has caused the death of many dogs, cattle, and even humans.
In humans and dogs, the range of symptoms include skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth, and liver damage. Animals including birds, and fish can also be poisoned by high levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria.”
So while we all enjoy the sun, its best to keep your dog away from ponds, small lakes, and other shallow and warm bodies of water, even if he has swum in and consumed water from before without any ill effects in the past. This is especially important if the water is green or covered with a green or blue-green scum. On hot days, your dog may race for a body of water to cool off in so before he does, put him on the lead. If your dog does manage to get into and drink from infected water, get him to your vet as quickly as possible. Aggressive, immediate treatment may be needed to counter the serious, often deadly, effects of this fast-acting toxin.
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