Blue-green algae: a danger to dogs near water
A few gulps from the wrong water can be life-threatening for a dog. How to spot blue-green algae, how to protect your dog – and what to do if it has been in the water.
Blue-green algae are actually bacteria – experts call them cyanobacteria. In warm weather they multiply rapidly in lakes, ponds and calm streams and produce toxins.
Even a few gulps can be life-threatening for a dog – the first signs can appear within minutes, and there is no antidote. How strongly a dog reacts varies from dog to dog.
How to recognise them
The typical sign is cloudy, discoloured water – green, blue-green, brownish or reddish – often with streaks or foam along the shore. Dark, slimy coatings on stones and on the bottom are dangerous too – their foul smell even attracts dogs. Yellow pollen, by contrast, sits on clear water – water with blue-green algae is cloudy. Important: no one can tell just by looking whether blue-green algae are toxic. So keep your dog away from any suspicious spot.
How to protect your dog
· Don’t let your dog drink cloudy or discoloured water – not even from puddles. · Avoid algae carpets and washed-up algae – they are toxic too. · If you stand knee-deep in the water and can’t see your feet: no swimming, no drinking. · Leash on when the water is cloudy, algae are visible or warning signs are up; bring clean drinking water. · After a swim in a lake or pond, rinse the coat before your dog licks itself. · No warning does not mean safe – not every canton issues active warnings.
If your dog has been in the water
Don’t wait for symptoms: away from the water, stop your dog licking itself, rinse the coat with clean water. Call the veterinary practice right away and say that blue-green algae are suspected – even if your dog seems fine. If the practice is closed, the emergency section of DOGSY shows you 24-hour animal clinics near you; Tox Info Suisse helps on 145 – for animals too.
Reporting a suspicion
Report a suspicious spot with a photo on DOGSY – this warns other dog owners. Report it to your canton too, as only the canton can take samples and issue an official warning: during office hours the cantonal office for the environment or water protection, outside office hours the police (117).