12/08/2019
Several people in various states lost dogs this past weekend. Please don't let your dog be next.
https://www.facebook.com/125585700829419/posts/2358270540894246/
Toxic Blue Green Algae: Maryland
Many of you have seen the stories circulating through social media and regional news reports, regarding the deaths of several dogs throughout the US, shortly after playing in water that was contaminated with blue green algae. These stories are absolutely heartbreaking and can leave many of us to wonder if it’s safe to let our furry friends play in nearby bodies of water on hot days.
Algae blooms and water quality are closely monitored by several state government divisions including the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, county Health Departments, the Maryland Department of Environment, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. In addition, because our state economy is heavily reliant on the health of the Chesapeake Bay, we have a longstanding, comprehensive water quality monitoring program established, that performs routine testing of the Bay and its tributaries.
How to protect yourself and your pets from blue green algae.
In a general sense, blue green algae thrives in slow moving/standing bodies of water, warm water temperatures, and water that is exposed to significant sunlight. From a shore perspective, the water may show the appearance of blue-green paint floating or billowing near the surface, or the water may appear similar to ‘pea soup’ in color. However, because there are many species of algae in the state, this does not guarantee that the algae you are seeing is toxic.
Because of our state’s comprehensive water monitoring programs, any indication of toxic algae or bacterias in the water, results in televised news reports and closure of the beaches/shores in that area. If you want to take your dog for a swim, stick to bodies of water that feed into the Chesapeake Bay, and are monitored via the Bay’s monitoring programs. Be cognizant for indications that the area may be closed for swimming: do a search for recent news reports on water quality, ask a park ranger about any advisories if you’re heading to a state park, and check out the Eyes on the Bay website for any alerts that may be posted. Also bring fresh drinking water for your dogs to help lessen the amounts they may ingest during their swim.
Signs and symptoms to look for in dogs with blue green algae poisoning.
The toxic blue green algaes in Maryland contain a bacteria called microcystins. Microcystins can cause liver damage and failure in dogs, so symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, black or tarry stools, weakness, lethargy, anorexia, jaundice, pale gums, seizures, disorientation, etc. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog shortly after going for a swim, it is imperative that you seek veterinary treatment for them ASAP. While there is no antidote for blue green algae toxicity, intensive supportive care can get them through the worst of the toxicity with minimal lasting damage to the liver.
For more information on algae blooms and water quality in Maryland, check out the following websites:
Maryland’s Eyes in the Bay:
http://eyesonthebay.dnr.maryland.gov/eyesonthebay/habs.cfm
Harmful Algae Bloom Management of the Chesapeake Bay
http://dnr.maryland.gov/waters/bay/Documents/HAB_Management.pdf
Harmful Algae in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays of Maryland and Virginia
http://dnr.maryland.gov/waters/bay/Documents/RSHABWS_Algal_Species.pdf
As always, if you have any concerns regarding your pets health, please give your vet a call or us if after hours.
