Blue-green algae are becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands. They are also brought up more and more in the media and this is mainly due to climate change and rising temperatures in the Netherlands. It grows in both fresh and salt water and are not actually algae, but bacteria.
How do you recognize blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are mainly found in stagnant water, such as ponds, ditches, and puddles. It is not always easy to spot blue-green algae. Sometimes, despite the name, they can appear as a reddish-brown or brownish-green layer on the water, or as white/blue, foamy patches at the water’s edge. This is because there are different types, and while not all are toxic to your dog, the vast majority are. Unusual waterfowl or fish mortality can be a consequence of blue-green algae growth. It’s important to observe the water closely. Another way you can detect it, is that floating layers of algae will form a continuous layer again after being disturbed. This is much like what an oil spill does on water.
What makes your dog sick?
Cyanobacteria produce toxins for which there is no antidote and these toxins can damage your dog’s liver and nervous system.
Symptoms of a Blue-Green Algae Infestation
Symptoms of a Blue-Green Algae infestation include vomiting and diarrhea, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, difficulty breathing, lethargy, jaundice, blue mucous membranes, excessive urine leakage and lack of coordination, tremors, convulsions (seizures), and paralysis. A small number of algae can cause severe symptoms and even be fatal within minutes to hours.
Walking your dog safely
So be careful when walking your dog. If your dog is off-leash and loves water, carefully scan your surroundings for ditches, ponds, puddles, and other stagnant water likely contaminated with blue-green algae, and call your dog back and leash beforehand. If your dog came in contact with contaminated water, clean your dog thoroughly and contact your veterinarian.
If you encounter an area with blue-green algae, report it to the local authority or site manager. If you want to swim with your dog, do so in areas that are actively monitored for the presence of this algae. You can find these on the website: www.zwemwater.nl and in the zwemwater app.
