Be on Alert for your dogs! Toxic-Algae has returned

 Be on Alert: Dog-Killing Toxic Algae has Returned to Austin Lakes 

If you have a dog who loves water, then visiting a local lake or pond will be high on your list of summer things to do with your pupper. But beware of dangerous algae, parasites and other toxins that lurk in our Austin watering holes. They can not only make your dog sick, but also kill them. Read on to learn about Toxic Algae, the symptoms if your dog comes into contact with it, what to do if s/he does, and how to avoid it. 

What is Toxic Algae and its Symptoms? 

Toxic algae can pose a serious threat to dogs and humans (especially children) that come into contact with contaminated water. Toxic Algae is caused by rapid growth fueled by excess nutrients in the water such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The toxins produced by these algae can be harmful or even fatal to dogs if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. Water with Toxic Algae usually is present in stagnant water or bodies of water where you see scum floating on the surface. Symptoms of Toxic Algae poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death. Local water officials are treating many local lakes for this scary problem, but that doesn’t cover smaller ones, like in suburban neighborhoods with detention ponds. 

What Should I Do if My Dog Comes into Contact with Toxic Algae? 

If you live near a lake or other body of water where Toxic Algae has been detected, it's important to keep your dog away from the water. If you aren’t positive that it’s safe, we recommend you don’t risk it. If you suspect that your dog may have ingested or come into contact with Toxic Algae, rinse them immediately and try to prevent them from licking their fur before you do, then seek veterinary care immediately. 

How Do I Avoid Toxic Algae? 

Toxic Algae is an environmental problem in all 50 states. The safe thing to do is to simply not allow your dog to swim in water that is stagnant or has a colored top layer. 

Look for water that is clear, flowing, and check your local water authority for any reports. Consider if your local lake is a water source for the community and treated in the local plant like Lake Pflugerville  

Your backyard pool is fine though because you’re treating it. And did you know that Swimply is an online platform like AirBnb but for backyard pools. You can filter your search for “dog friendly”! 

And the most fun is to have some backyard fun with some of our these favorite foldable pools and splash pads available on Amazon.

Lastly, check out our previous blog with Top Tips for Summer Safety

             https://texasruffhouse.blogspot.com/2021/06/top-tips-for-summer-pet-safety.html

Texas Ruff House provides customized pet sitting and dog walking services to Pflugerville, Hutto, Round Rock and Georgetown. We are pet owners just like you! Our daily visits ensure your pets are getting the physical care and mental enrichment they crave. So you can finally take that trip that you've been longing for. 

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