Blue Green Algae
Incidents of blue green algae toxicity in dogs are being reported in the Lake District, as a consequence of low water levels and lack of rainfall.
It is probably happening in other parts of the country as well, where there are slowing moving or stagnant reaches of water.
It may take only a few hours for a dog to die after drinking water that contains Cyanobacteria - the toxic component of blue green algae.
In some cases a warning notice will have been placed near the water - but don't assume it's OK just because there is no notice!
The Environment Agency has issued an Advice Leaflet - click here.
- About Blue Green Algae Toxicity in Dogs
Dogs develop algae poisoning when they drink from contaminated water sources.
The algae produce toxins that affect the dog's internal organs, and depending on the concentration of algae in the dog's stomach,
the animal can die immediately or succumb later from a variety of symptoms. - What Causes Blue Green Algae Outbreaks?
In times of drought, lowered water levels and low air circulation combine to boost production of algae into overdrive.
Normally, algae are equally distributed throughout the water, but large blooms are often followed by large die offs.
The gas produced by these die offs pushes the algae colony up to collect at the water's surface, creating a dangerous situation.
From this point, even a gentle breeze will serve to push the algae into a concentrated layer of scum, often near the water's edge
where dogs and other animals are likely to ingest it while drinking. - Signs of Algae Poisoning
The signs of algae toxicity in dogs vary, depending on whether they are triggered by nervous system toxins or liver toxins. - Signs of the presence of liver toxins include:
Weakness and/or lethargy
Pale mucous membranes
Bloody diarrhoea
Mental instability
Eventual death - Signs of the presence of nervous system toxins include:
Muscle tremors
Convulsions
Laboured breathing
Difficulty moving
Eventual death
