If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to blue-green algae you should contact your vet or their out of hours veterinary care provider immediately to arrange an urgent appointment.

Background

Blue-green algae are a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria.They are not actually algae but organisms that, when clumped together, give the appearance of algae. They can be found in large bodies of still or slow-flowing fresh water such as ponds, streams, canals, rivers and lakes. Levels of blue-green algae vary throughout the year but with the right conditions they can multiply rapidly. They are at their highest concentration in nutrient-rich water and in times of hot and sunny weather or after a heatwave. It is most commonly seen as a blue-green ‘bloom’ or ‘scum’ layer visible on the water surface. Some types of cyanobacteria can contain toxins that are rapidly absorbed, extremely toxic and can be fatal to pets if swallowed. There is no way to tell if a ‘bloom’ is toxic or not. There is no antidote for this toxin.

Signs of Poisoning

If a pet swallows contaminated water it can develop signs of poisoning which can cause sudden and severe neurological and liver damage. If your pet develops any of the symptoms below you will need to contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary provider immediately. Symptoms include:

- Increased thirst

-Vomiting

- Diarrhoea

- Excessive drooling

- Seizures

- Panting

- Sudden and severe breathing difficulties

- Sudden onset liver failure

- Disorientation

- Sudden death

First aid

- Thoroughly clean and rinse your pet’s face, coat and paws  with clean water .

- Flush eyes copiously with fresh, clean and non-contaminated water.

- Contact your veterinarian immediately - this is an emergency situation.

- Create a barrier to prevent your pet from cleaning itself until your pet is seen as an emergency by a veterinarian.

Prevention

Keep pets away from water sources which appear to contain blue-green algae:

- Green flakes, greenish bundles or brown dots on the water’s surface (pea soup like).

- Green-blue streaks in the water.

- Blue-green scum layer on the water’s surface.

- Foam around the edges of water.

Do not allow any pet to drink from water which contains dead animals.

Avoid your pet drinking water with algae in it- carry fresh water for your pet to drink.

Look out for and take heed of blue-green algae warning signs issued in areas pets are exercised.

Check your garden or patio area for areas of stagnant water e.g. birdbaths, plant pots, uncovered rainwater collection tanks, temporary pools and fountains.