Mary Allen
The heat attracts many people and animals to the bathing lakes. The fact that it is unsafe is due, among other things, to them: blue-green algae.
Although blue-green algae are called algae, they are actually not – scientifically, they belong to bacteria. And even though they are much more common in freshwater, they can be found in both fresh and saltwater.
The “blue” in the name is also misleading, as most of its species tend to leave black-green deposits on rocks or bright green streaks on the surface of the water – the name comes from the blue dye that some types of blue-green algae can produce to increase their productivity. There is also blue-green algae with red dye.
However, all blue-green algae have one thing in common: they form opaque striped carpets of algae on the surface of the water.
Waters contaminated with blue-green algae are oversaturated with nutrients and also contain too little oxygen. In bathing lakes, this happens relatively quickly, especially during the height of summer.
Therefore, you should always take official warnings, signs, or observations from other visitors seriously and refrain from swimming.
Blue-green algae not only produce oxygen and sulfur but also various toxins. The main active ingredient is a neurotoxin that causes muscle spasms and respiratory paralysis. The second poison leads to the destruction of liver cells and therefore to acute liver failure, which is also fatal.
First Signs of Poisoning: Diarrhea and Vomiting
If your dog has bathed in a pond of blue-green algae, the first symptoms of poisoning will be diarrhea and vomiting. Then convulsions, heavy breathing, and increased salivation may occur. In the last stage of poisoning, the dog lies on its side and shows signs of flaccid paralysis, up to and including respiratory arrest.
And it doesn’t take long for that: the poison of blue-green algae is very strong, which means that symptoms of poisoning appear after ingestion of a small number of plants.
If you suspect that your dog may have swallowed blue-green algae venom along with the water, it should be handed over to a specialist as soon as possible, such as a veterinary clinic. However, only the consequences of poisoning can be treated there, there is no antidote.
Therapy consists of infusions to stabilize the circulatory system, antispasmodic drugs, and drugs to protect the liver. Activated charcoal can help flush liver toxins out of the body. However, activated charcoal does not work against the neurotoxin. However, a dog poisoned with blue-green algae is always in intensive care and in the vast majority of cases has a poor prognosis.
How to Protect Your Dog From Blue-Green Algae
First, to avoid such a dire scenario, it is important to learn more about the lake before heading out for a swim. Blue-green algae infestations are commonly reported in the local press – and signs are usually posted near the water.
Then your dog should not come into contact with the lake water under any circumstances. If you yourself have found blue-green algae, be sure to report it to the city or district administration in which the water is located.