What You Need To Know About Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae blooms have once again started to raise concerns across the nation. From Lake Tahoe in Nevada to Lake Travis in Texas, reports of dogs becoming ill or passing from exposure to blue-green algae are soaring across news outlets and social media. In Connecticut, our lakes and ponds tend to bloom in the summer and early fall due to abundant light, high water temperatures, and increased nutrient content. Under the right conditions, a large bloom can form overnight and pose a risk to humans and pets alike. For this reason, we’re sharing blue-green algae blooms: a threat to humans & pets; here’s what you need to know.
Blue-Green Algae Basics
Blue-green algae are types of bacteria known as Cyanobacteria. These simple organisms exist naturally in marine waters, rivers, lakes, and ponds. They can reproduce rapidly forming harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can be toxic to humans, animals, and the environment.
Health Threats of Blue-Green Algae to Humans
Not all blue-green algae are harmful, but some species produce toxins that can cause a variety of health problems in humans, including:
- Skin irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Respiratory problems
- Liver damage
- Neurological problems
Note that children are at higher risk for severe harm due to exposure to algae blooms.
Health Threats of Blue-Green Algae to Cats & Dogs
Just like for humans, blue-green algae poses a significant threat to cats and dogs. Because these blooms can be highly toxic and even fatal if ingested by smaller mammals, the risks of exposure in cats and dogs may be worse than in adult humans.
- Liver, nervous system, or skin damage
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Liver failure
- Respiratory problems
Exposure to Blue-Green Algae
For humans and pets alike, exposure to blue-green algae usually occurs from swimming in contaminated waters from beaches, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and as follows:
- Swallowing contaminated water
- Skin contact with contaminated water
- Inhalation of airborne droplets of contaminated water
Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning typically appear within hours or days of exposure. If you think you or someone you know has been poisoned by blue-green algae, it is important to seek medical or veterinary attention immediately. We recommend you go directly to an emergency veterinary clinic as your primary vet may not be equipped to handle acute toxicity caused by blue-green algae exposure.
Exposure Prevention
Prevent exposure to blue-green algae involves the following steps:
- Be aware: Pay attention to posted advisories that limit recreational activities in and around a bloom.
- Stay informed and report: Call the Environmental Health Section’s Public Beach Program at the Connecticut Department of Public Health at (860) 509-7758. For information about beach closings and advisories, or to report a bloom, call your local health department or contact the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at (860) 424-3020.
- Do Your Homework: Before heading to a nearby body of water, visit their website for water quality reports and announcements. Rogers Lake, a popular CT Shoreline destination in Old Lyme, posts updates here.
- Avoid all contact with suspicious water: Don’t boat, swim, wade, or play in water with a visible algal bloom. These blooms can appear as pea-green soup, scum, or spilled paint on the water surface.
- Do not drink or allow your pet to drink untreated surface water: If you are unsure about the safety of the water, boil it for at least one minute before drinking.
- Keep your pet leashed near water bodies: This allows you to maintain control and prevent them from drinking from unfamiliar sources.
- Rinse your pet thoroughly after swimming in any body of water: Remove any algae – visible or otherwise – that might be clinging to their fur to prevent ingestion during grooming.
By being aware of the dangers and taking precautions, you can enjoy summertime activities while keeping your furry friend safe around blue-green algae. We encourage you to read our other blogs related to water safety, heatstroke, and more when planning your pet-friendly summer outings. And, count on us to always take precautions when on dog walks or hiking adventures around bodies of water.
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success. Existing clients may book cat sitting services by logging in to your client profile.
Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
