BLUE-GREEN ALGAE (CYANOBACTERIA) TOXICITY IN DOGS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Blue-green algae in ponds, lakes, and stagnant water can produce rapidly fatal liver and neurotoxins. Dogs are most commonly affected after swimming or drinking contaminated water.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
There are no mild cases.
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Drinking small amounts of contaminated water
• Licking algae from fur
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Collapse
• Jaundice
• Sudden death
RED FLAGS
• ANY contact with suspicious water
• Sudden vomiting after swimming
• Neurological signs
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Rinse thoroughly
• Keep pet warm
• Seek emergency care immediately
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Liver enzymes
• Neurological status
• Anti-seizure medications
• IV fluids
• Activated charcoal (if early)
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Liver failure
• Neurotoxicity