Home Blue-Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs

Blue-Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs

June 21, 2023 JOLLYES TEAM

Questions

What is blue-green algae and how does it affect dogs?
Blue-Green Algae Dogs Symptoms
How Long Do Blue-Green Algae Symptoms Last in Dogs?
Our Top Vet Tips for Avoiding Blue-Algae Poisoning

As the weather warms up, it’s inevitable dogs will find the new ways to cool themselves down. Swimming in open waters is the perfect way for your pup to cool down in the warmer months, but in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and more, blue-green algae can naturally occur. Blue-green algae in dogs is very dangerous as it can produce toxins that cause serious disease and can even be fatal.

Before letting your pooch swim around, learn everything you need to know about blue-green algae in dogs!

What is blue-green algae and how does it affect dogs?

Blue-green algae refer to a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria that exists in water. They are not algae, but they have been given this name as they resemble algae when they are clumped together on the surface of the water. It’s known to thrive in warm water, particularly when temperatures increase, they grow rapidly.

This increase in the number of algae coincides with a higher incidence of dogs swimming in lakes and rivers to help cool themselves down. Some types of algae contain harmful toxins that cause blue-green algae poisoning in dogs.

As dogs encounter algae when they drink or swim in contaminated water, it sticks to their fur for them to ingest it later when cleaning themselves. Clinical signs and symptoms depend on the concentration of the algae in the water. Some dogs can be treated, some have long-term health problems afterward and for some, it can unfortunately become fatal. The concentration will vary greatly depending on the conditions in the water. It is not possible to tell how much algae are present by looking at the water.

Is Blue-Green Algae Fatal to Dogs?

Blue-green algae can be fatal to dogs. If your dog is exposed to the algae in large amounts and your dog does not receive veterinary attention immediately, it can cause fatal liver failure. Even with early identification and aggressive therapy, it’s very difficult to treat as the toxins work so quickly. Often the prognosis is poor. The outcome of ingestion of the blue-green algae does depend on the amount present in the water. However, even very small quantities, such as a few gulps of algae-contaminated water, can be enough to cause fatal results.

Blue-Green Algae Dogs Symptoms

Dogs can show signs of blue-green algae poisoning as soon as 15 minutes after exposure. If you see any of the following signs displayed by your dog after they have been drinking or swimming in the water, contact your vet immediately. The sooner the better.

Weakness/collapse
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Reduce appetite.
Increased thirst
Pale gums
Yellowing of gums and skin (jaundice)
Seizures
Excessive salivation
Breathing difficulty
Inability to walk.
Tremors
Muscles going rigid.
Paralysis
Coma

How Long Do Blue-Green Algae Symptoms Last in Dogs?

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can develop very rapidly or can take up to a few days to become apparent. Symptoms can last a very long time after the incident. If exposure to the toxins has not been fatal, symptoms can last for the duration of the dog's life as there may have been permanent damage to the liver. This largely depends on how much of the toxin your dog has been exposed to.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If there is any suspicion that your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, time is of the essence. You must seek veterinary attention immediately. By the time you arrive at your vet's, there may not be anything they are able to do as the toxins work so quickly. The sooner you get there, the better.

Our Top Vet Tips for Avoiding Blue-Algae Poisoning

It can sometimes be difficult to spot blue-green algae on the surface of the water as it is not always visible if it has not clumped together. It is important for dog owners to be aware of any signs and take extra precautions whenever necessary.

Top Tips for Avoiding Blue-Green Algae Include:

Do not let your dog swim in or have any contact with lakes and ponds that you know, or think might contain blue-green algae. Take extra care to avoid them in the summertime when temperatures are warmer.
Never let your dog drink from water sources that may contain blue-green algae. When on walks, take fresh water in a container for them to drink so that they don't get thirsty and drink from anywhere else.
Take note of signage when out and about, lots of places will have signs up if blue-green algae have been identified. Look at local websites to check for any updates on areas affected.
Always check the water before going near it, sometimes blue-green algae isn't visible, but a lot of the time it can be seen on the surface.
If you think you have seen blue-green algae somewhere, report it so that others can be warned.
If you see a water source with dead fish in it, avoid it at all costs.

Blue-green algae can pose a serious threat to our dogs. Not all types of algae are poisonous, however, it is not possible to tell without sending samples to a lab.

If your dog is showing signs of being ill after swimming in open water, especially in late summer, take them to your vet immediately and explain there may be a risk of blue-green algae exposure. For dog health treatments and more, check out our dog necessities, online and in-store.