Because of the recent, and upcoming, high temperatures, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials is reminding pet owners of a potential hazard appearing in ponds and lakes across the state.
Regional fisheries manager Mark Ermer says it’s nearly impossible to tell if blue-green algae blooms in a pond or lake are poisonous or not, so he recommends not letting dogs swim in a body of water that has a visible, thick layer of algae floating on the surface. Even one drink of water that has a blue-green algae bloom can be fatal for dogs.
Blue-green algae are most often blue-green in color, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple or brown. Blue-green algae generally grow in protected areas of lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.
South Dakota Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Mendel Miller says if ingested, the toxins in blue-green algae can lead to liver or nervous system damage in animals. He says if you think you or your pet has come into contact with blue-green algae, contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning include, lethargy, the inability to walk, hypersalivating, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, shock, seizures, loss of appetite, tremors and difficulty breathing.
Fish consumption from lakes experiencing a high algae bloom should be limited. While the toxins can be present in fish caught during a bloom, research has shown the concentrations of toxins are higher in the organs of fish than in the muscle tissue or fillets. Toxin levels decrease after an algae bloom has ended.
Anyone observing what they believe is a harmful algae bloom should contact their local GFP office or the state Department of Energy and Natural Resources.
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