Keeping our pets happy and healthy

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show

Every season brings different challenges to keeping our pets healthy. Judith Siers-Poisson learns about the dangers of blue green algae for our dogs. Plus, information on the effects of second-hand smoke on pets, and whether at-home diagnostic kits are reliable.

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  • Blue-Green Algae Can Seriously Threaten Dogs

    Playing in water is a favorite activity for many dogs, but owners should be careful letting their dogs into still or slow-moving water with algae blooms, say veterinarians.

    Blue-green algae is known by the scientific name cyanobacteria, and more commonly as “pond scum.” While it is often blue-green in color, it comes in a variety of shades, including blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. Blue-green algae thrives in relatively still waters: in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Warm water temperatures and run-off that includes phosphorus or nitrogen create the perfect environment for it to thrive. And unlike other types of algae, it is not a positive part of the environment.

    Dr. Sandi Sawchuk of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine warns pet owners to make sure their companion animals don’t come in contact with this common but dangerous substance in area waters. “Dogs will drink from sources that we would never ever even consider stepping into. They are swimming in it and drinking … So it’s up to us to be able to look at and try to assess water quality and really [pay] attention to areas where they say, ‘the beach is closed,’ etc.”

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources agrees.

    “Animals are not necessarily more sensitive to blue-green algal toxins than humans. However, many animals, such as dogs and cattle, enjoy being in the water, even if there is an unsightly green scum layer floating on top. When such a bloom is present, animals may consume large quantities of blue-green algae if they drink the water, and if those blue-green algae happen to be producing toxin(s), the animals can become very ill, and even die. Symptoms of blue-green algal toxin poisoning may range from lethargy and loss of appetite to seizures, vomiting, and convulsions. Dogs are particularly susceptible to blue-green algal poisoning because scums can attach to their coats and be swallowed during self-cleaning.”

    The DNR emphasizes that just drinking water contaminated with the blue green algae can cause serious health problems, and even death. “Animals can become extremely ill, and even die, after swallowing water containing blue-green algae. As public awareness has increased, so has the number of reports from veterinarians that blue-green algal toxins may have played a role in the deaths of dogs where other causes were not obvious. It is possible that the number of dogs that die from exposure to blue-green algae is an underreported statistic.”

    It doesn’t take much exposure to blue-green algae, or other substances in stagnant water, for a dog to get very sick. Sawchuk thinks that some vets might see the symptoms but not make the connection to that exposure. She says that the symptoms can vary, and may be hard to pinpoint as being due to blue-green algae exposure. She encourages pet owners to be on the lookout for even a slight change in your dog’s temperament or behavior. The Pet Poison Helpline offers a list of possible symptoms from blue-green algae exposure.

    A listener who identified himself as Brent asked on Facebook whether it was alright to let his Great Dane puppy wade in the Wisconsin River at a local park. He says, “there is algae downstream from the park where the flow of the river slows to form lake Wausau, but not at the park where he swims and drinks.” Brent wondered if he should “revoke river privileges,” but Sawchuk reassured him because with the water flowing well, the risk of blue-green algae is minimal.

    So what can we do instead for water-loving dogs? Sawchuk says, “Get a little pool for your dog in the backyard. Be really careful at this time of year.”

Episode Credits

  • Dr Sandra Sawchuk Guest

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