Toxic blue-green algae that can kill dogs spotted in California. How to identify and avoid it

With temperatures heating up, it might be tempting to take a dip in the river or let your dog rehydrate at the shore after a walk, but you might want to think twice.

Toxic blue-green algae, known for causing negative health effects in people and animals who’ve been exposed to it, has bloomed in central California at the San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, according to a release from Department of Water Resources on May 31.

The algae, also called cyanobacteria, can cause eye irritation, rash, ulcers, flu-like symptoms and vomiting. In animals, it can result in lethargy, vomiting, behavioral changes and death.

The agency is warning people to avoid the water, aside from boating, and to not eat shellfish from infected waters.

What is blue-green algae?

These microscopic organisms can thrive in freshwater or brackish and salty waters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said these blooms often happen in the summer to early fall.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, harmful algae need sunlight, slow-moving or calm water, and nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients).

How to spot blue-green algae

The algae blooms “are a natural part of the ecosystem,” according to the DWR.

“The algal bloom can accumulate into mats, scum, or form foam at the surface and along the shoreline, and range in color from blue, green, white, or brown,” the water agency said in the release. Its conditions can quickly change due to winds and waves pushing the algae into different parts of the waterway.

You can spot algae blooming in a body of water if there are blue, green, white, brown spots in the water. There may also be streaks of what looks like paint or foam on the water surface and shoreline, and a gassy or fishy odor.

Common ways to get exposed

There are various ways people and pets can get exposed to the toxic algae.

This includes ingesting contaminated water and food and getting droplets into the eyes or on skin. According to the CDC, domestic animals are more likely to get infected by the algae before humans since they often drink water and swim in the water, even when it looks or smells questionable.

How to protect your pets from blue-green algae

If there’s blue-green algae in your local river or reservoir, you can take some extra steps to keep you and your pets safe while enjoying nature. According to the water agency, you should:

Keep an eye on your pets - Keep your pets or livestock from drinking the water, swimming in algal blooms, mats and scum. If your pet went into the water, don’t them them lick their fur. Be sure to rinse and clean off your pet, removing any algae from their fur.

Avoid water activities - This includes wading, swimming and jet or water skiing.

Don’t use this water for drinking, cooking or cleaning - Even camp filters and boiling won’t remove the toxins from the algae.

Avoid eating shellfish - If you must catch and eat fish from the affected waterway, remove its guts and clean the fish with bottled water.

Get medical help - If you or your pet got sick from the algae, get medical help quickly and contact your local county public health department.

This story was originally published June 1, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Toxic blue-green algae that can kill dogs spotted in California. How to identify and avoid it."