Blue Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs

Overview

• Blue green algae is a dangerous bacteria that can be found in still or slow-flowing water.
• It produces invisible toxins that can cause organ damage and sometimes even death.
• Blue green algae is difficult to spot, so it’s important to know what to look out for.
• Blue green algae grows best in warm weather, so it’s more likely to cause poisonings in the summer months.
• Contact your vet ASAP if you think your dog has been exposed to blue green algae.

Why is blue green algae dangerous?

Blue-green algae (also known as ‘cyanobacteria’), is a type of bacteria that can grow in stagnant/slow flowing water such as ponds, lakes, streams and flooded areas. It’s extremely dangerous because certain types release toxins which can cause organ failure, severe illness, and potentially death. If you see any signs of blue-green algae, don’t allow your dog to touch or drink the water.

How to spot blue green algae

Blue green algae tends to grow in stagnant/slow-flowing water such as ponds, streams and lakes. It can be very difficult to spot, so keep an eye out for:

• Green/blue scum on the water’s surface
• Green/blue streaks in the water, which can look a bit like paint
• Green or brown clumps floating on the surface, that look a bit like seaweed
• Cloudy water with a green/blue/brown appearance.
• Green flakes or brown dots
• Foaming on the shore’s edge, which can look a bit like sewage
• Warning signs
• Dead fish/wildlife in the water

Symptoms

Blue green algae poisoning can take anything from 15 minutes to a few days to develop. They are often vague and include:

• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Twitching
• Seizures
• Increased thirst
• Drooling
• Diarrhoea
• Breathing difficulties
• Collapse
• Sudden/unexplained death

When to contact your vet

Call your vet immediately if you your dog has been exposed to blue green algae - the sooner they get treatment the better their chance of survival.

First Aid

• Don’t let your dog lick their fur, the more toxins they take in, the worse their poisoning will be
• Rinse them with clean water as soon as possible
• Call your vet

Treatment

Once your dog is at the vets their treatment may include:

• Thorough cleaning - to remove any toxins from their fur.
• Toxin removal - your vet might need to make your dog sick and give them a charcoal meal to absorb any toxins remaining in their stomach.
• Intensive care - if your dog has already developed symptoms of poisoning, they are likely to need intensive care, which may include a fluid drip, medicines, close monitoring and blood tests.

Outlook

The quicker your dog gets treatment, the better their outlook, but unfortunately blue-green algae toxins act very quickly, and are often deadly. Sadly, even with the best care, some dogs die from blue green algae poisoning.

How to avoid blue green algae poisoning

• Always check water before allowing your dog to swim in it, even if it’s somewhere you’ve been before.
• Be extra careful around stagnant water such as ponds and flooded fields, especially in the summer and autumn.
• Carry water for your dog to drink instead of letting them drink from open water.
• When travelling, check local council websites, and look out for warning signs around ponds, lakes or rivers.
• If you think you’ve found blue green algae, report it to the Environment Agency, or the local council who can test the water and put up warning signs if needed.
• Never let your dog drink from or swim in water with dead fish in it.

FAQs

Published: September 2022