07/09/2024
When visiting the lake, river or reservoir this summer, please be on the lookout for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) blooms.
Blooms may look like mats floating in the water or stuck on the bottom or the shore. Watch for waters that look suspicious—foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red, or with bright green cells suspended in the water column. When in doubt, stay out!
Dogs have become very sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae. If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water. Avoid contact with the water, as toxins can be absorbed through the skin.
Exposure to toxic blue-green algae can result in the following symptoms in dogs:
* Weakness or collapse
* Nausea, vomiting
* Excessive drooling
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhea
* Difficulty breathing
* Shaking, trembling
* Tremors, rigidity, paralysis
If your dog goes into the water:
* Don’t let your pet lick its fur.
* Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible.
* If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in water, **seek immediate veterinary care**. Acute, life-threatening symptoms from cyanobacterial toxins often develop rapidly. Death can occur within minutes to hours after exposure.
A health advisory has been issued for McKay Reservoir in Umatilla County. Pets and people should avoid contact with the affected water.
Not all waterways in Oregon are monitored for cyanobacteria, which is why owners need to be vigilant. When advisories are issued, we post them here: https://www.oregonvma.org/toxic-algae-advisories
