What it is
You may have seen social media posts about blue-green algae in ponds and lakes in the area. Blue-green algae is the common name used for cyanobacteria which are a group of bacteria that live in mostly still water such as lakes and ponds.
Blue-green algae is extremely poisonous to dogs if they ingest it. If they swim in a lake that contains it they might drink it, or it can seep into their fur and they might lick it afterwards. It can lead to liver failure.
Where is it?
It is mainly found in lakes and ponds, ie. still water. All the areas of Waltham Forest and beyond have potential to have this. It is confirmed at Alexander Lake at Wanstead Flats. However, the ponds and lakes owned by Corporation of London (who manage the majority of the green spaces in the area) are not routinely tested so it’s not possible to confirm which ponds do and do not have it. Therefore it is safest to assume that all ponds do have it.
When is it dangerous
It is much more toxic in the summer when the water is low and therefore the algae is at much greater concentration and much more toxic to dogs. It is there all year round but at lower concentrations and therefore less toxic when water is high in the rainier months.
What to do?
Keep your dog away from lakes and ponds that you know, or suspect may, contain blue-green algae especially in the summer.
Dogs should not be allowed to swim or paddle in water that contains blue-green algae.
Don’t let dogs drink from water that may have blue-green algae in. Because the wind often blows blooms of algae to the edges of ponds or lakes, higher concentrations of the toxin are more likely to be present in the parts of the water your dog may drink from.
Take note of signs warning of the algae during dog walks and follow the information given.
Where is it safe for them to paddle?
All water, especially in the summer months may have high concentrations of blue-green algae. However fresh running streams are always the better option for your dog to have a paddle. But if you do spot algae there, then don’t let your dog go in.
What to do
If you suspect they’ve drunk from the pond then they need to go to the bed and be made to be sick.
If your dog does swim in a lake that contains algae you need to wash them thoroughly straight away.
Wash them with shampoo, mainly focusing on areas where your dog would lick themselves. E.g paws, legs, chest. Lots of rinsing and make sure it’s thoroughly out. It takes an hour for it to settle into their fur so it’s important you do this as soon as possible.
You then can either call your vet and ask for advice or you can monitor them closely and look out for these symptoms:
- Vomiting/being sick.
- Diarrhoea.
- Seizures/fitting.
- Weakness/collapse/unconsciousness.
- Disorientation/confusion.
- Drooling.
- Breathing difficulties.
If your dog does show any of these symptoms, take them to a vet immediately.
Be aware
Just always be aware that all water can contain algae, so try and stop your pooch jumping in particularly in the summer months. Aug 2022
Further reading
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-swm1-04.pdf
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-to-dogs