Is brown algae toxic to dogs? Here’s What to Expect

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Algae poisoning diagnosis and treatment in pets

Bring your pet for immediate veterinary care if they have algae poisoning signs or if they have been exposed to blue-green algae. Your veterinarian may recommend a complete blood count, electrolyte test, and serum biochemistry test to rule out any concurrent medical problems. Algae poisoning has no antidote, but immediate decontamination and supportive care will give your pet the best chance of survival. Treatment may include:

  • Inducing vomiting to prevent further absorption of bacteria-containing algae
  • Activated charcoal for toxin absorption
  • Gastric lavage to pump your pet’s stomach and remove infected algae
  • Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
  • Liver protecting medications
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Gastroprotectant medications
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Plasma or blood transfusions
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Oxygen therapy

    • How do I know if my dog has been exposed?

    Symptoms, which usually arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure, include diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, difficulty breathing and convulsions or seizures, the EPA reports.

    Immediately, take your pet to the vet if you see these symptoms.

    Dogs, more than other pets, are especially vulnerable because of their tendency to play in water and so sometimes they drink the toxic algae, other times they lick it off their fur. Even dogs that avoid the water may be in danger. Many dogs like to scavenge the shore where they may find – and eat – drying clumps of algae.

    One study identified 368 cases of toxic algae poisoning associated with dogs throughout the US over a nine-decade period, but the researchers believe this represents only “a small fraction of cases that occur throughout the US each year.”

    How to spot potentially toxic algae/cyanobacteria

    This cyanobacteria (called benthic cyanobacteria) grows on the bottom of river beds. It appears as thick dark brown or black mats that have a slimy or velvety texture and musty smell.

    Planktonic cyanobacteria (floating algae) is often suspended in the water. When it blooms, it can make water look cloudy, discoloured, or like it has small globules in it. There may not be obvious visual traits.

    REMOVE Brown Algae from your Aquarium by DOING THIS!

    In the summer of 2019, the news shocked dog owners across social media: three dogs died after playing in a pond in Wilmington, North Carolina, while another died after a swim in Lake Allatoona, Georgia, and three different dogs died after playing in a lake in Austin. What led to the deaths of all seven dogs? Likely, liver failure was brought on by ingesting water contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

    This summer, blue-green algae are back. While many dog owners are getting outdoors, there are safety precautions to be aware of before allowing your dog to swim.