'They came back and said my dog was completely brain dead'

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Health Authority and a dog owner from Salem are warning others to be on the lookout for blue-green algae blooms.

Three weeks ago, Tammi Press Stuehler lost her 6-year-old black lab, Cash.

"They came back and said my dog was completely brain dead," she told us.

She says he was exposed to blue-green algae, while swimming in the Willamette River, near a dog park in Keizer.

Now, she's warning other pet owners.

"Those blooms can break off and float down the river and if your dog touches it, licks its fur..Your dog is dead. People need to be aware of that."

There have been cases around the country of dogs getting sick or dying after swimming or drinking from water affected by toxic algae.

Stuehler says Cash was affected by a neuro-attacking antitoxin.

"Most often than not, a dog is going to die if it's a neuro-toxin, because it shuts everything down,” said Rebecca Hillwig, a natural resource specialist with the Oregon Health Authority.

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a warning to stay out of a lake, pond or river if you see brightly colored foam or scum.

"The growth of bloom because with climate change you get warmer air, warmer weather which warms up the water and they like warm water,” said Hillwig.

The City of Keizer says the fountain water at the dog park is potable, but since they don't test the Willamette River, they can't verify a toxin presence or whether a dog has been affected.