Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) and How it Can Harm Your Dog
During warm temperatures and hot weather months, blue-green algae blooms can suddenly grow in freshwater lakes, rivers, or waterways. It is sometimes found in saltwater near river mouths. Avoiding areas contaminated with blue-green algae is extremely important, as contact with toxic blooms can potentially be fatal for dogs and people.
During warm temperatures and hot weather months, blue-green algae blooms can suddenly grow in freshwater lakes, rivers, or waterways. It is sometimes found in saltwater near river mouths. Avoiding areas contaminated with blue-green algae is extremely important, as contact with toxic blooms can potentially be fatal for dogs and people.
About blue-green algae
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, grows in warm, slow-moving or still water. It is found predominantly in freshwaters throughout the world. It can also be found in saltwater around river mouths (deltas) and inlets. There are several species of cyanobacteria. Some species are non-toxic, but some species can house poisons called called cyanobacterial toxins or cyanotoxins.
Cyanobacterial toxins are the naturally produced poisons stored in the cells of certain species of cyanobacteria. These toxins fall into various categories and are considered among the most powerful natural poisons known. Some are known to attack the liver (hepatotoxins) or the nervous system (neurotoxins); others simply irritate the skin or affect the gastrointestinal system. These toxins are usually released into water when the cells rupture or die.
One group of toxins produced and released by cyanobacteria are called microcystins because they were isolated from a cyanobacterium called Microcystis aeruginosa. Microcystins are the most common of the cyanobacterial toxins found in water, as well as being the ones most often responsible for poisoning animals and humans who come into contact with toxic blooms.
Any of the cyanobacteria toxins can be harmful to people and dogs, as well as other animals, and these toxins have no known antidotes. Blooms containing even one species of toxic cyanobacteria will be poisonous and potentially dangerous. Because there's no obvious way to tell if a particular bloom is toxic, water samples have to be analyzed in a laboratory before a body of water can be declared safe.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, grows in warm, slow-moving or still water. It is found predominantly in freshwaters throughout the world. It can also be found in saltwater around river mouths (deltas) and inlets. There are several species of cyanobacteria. Some species are non-toxic, but some species can house poisons called called cyanobacterial toxins or cyanotoxins.
Cyanobacterial toxins are the naturally produced poisons stored in the cells of certain species of cyanobacteria. These toxins fall into various categories and are considered among the most powerful natural poisons known. Some are known to attack the liver (hepatotoxins) or the nervous system (neurotoxins); others simply irritate the skin or affect the gastrointestinal system. These toxins are usually released into water when the cells rupture or die.
One group of toxins produced and released by cyanobacteria are called microcystins because they were isolated from a cyanobacterium called Microcystis aeruginosa. Microcystins are the most common of the cyanobacterial toxins found in water, as well as being the ones most often responsible for poisoning animals and humans who come into contact with toxic blooms.
Any of the cyanobacteria toxins can be harmful to people and dogs, as well as other animals, and these toxins have no known antidotes. Blooms containing even one species of toxic cyanobacteria will be poisonous and potentially dangerous. Because there's no obvious way to tell if a particular bloom is toxic, water samples have to be analyzed in a laboratory before a body of water can be declared safe.
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What does blue-green algae look like?
Usually contaminated water will have a neon-green like sheen or look like "unsightly pea soup" and may give off a foul smell, usually a strong musty or earthy odour. Blooms can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint or a neon sheen floating on the water. Some cyanobacterial blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats that lie on the surface of fresh water lakes and ponds. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets. |