Florida has been on high risk from this toxic blue - cat valium alga plague which is peculiarly dangerous to dog . Since mid - summer , various environmental wellness agencies have sounded off the alarm on its potential toxic effects on humans . However , even dogs are apparently not dependable from this chemical group of bacteria .
A study from theTC Palmstated that a 9 - year - old poodle dog name Finn died due to the toxins from the blue - green alga launch in the St. Lucie River . Tests showed that the dog ’s blood , liver , and water contained cyanobacteria .
The dog ’s possessor , Misty Aydelotte , confirmed to the military press that the bacteria badly destroyed her poodle ’s insides . But it was not the first dog to be reported with blue - algae toxic condition .
Dog Victims of Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
Two Golden Retrievers named Sammy and Savvy also had like symptom as the poodle dog . They were traveling with their family and pass through the same river over the summer .
But while Sammy and Savvy are currently recovering , another Golden Retriever is still fighting for her life in Stuart , Florida . accord toWPTV , 4 - year - sure-enough Costa played in the water of the Rio river and then after started vomiting . She suffered liver failure and is still sire treatments at a pet clinic . It might be month before Costa can to the full go back .
Meanwhile , dog owner Laura Schmidt , who also lives along the St. Lucie River , noticed that her dog spring up center problems after memorize about the toxicity of aristocratical - green algae . Her puppy has been remove antibiotics for this but she ’s still disquieted about what other harm the bacteria may cause , especially since there is no antibiotic for the toxin .
Protecting Dogs from Blue-Green Algae
It seems inhaling the air around the alga is in itself a health risk . People complained that it had a nasty and baneful smell that caused fidgety eyes , nausea , running nozzle , and other respiratory problems .
Aside from swimming or imbibing alga - infested water , contamination might also hap if the dog or man eat fish caught from this toxic environs . So , as prevention is good than therapeutic , it ’s expert to keep your dogs aside from the water . If you have to go on walks , always put your dog on a leash so it wo n’t vagabond near the water .
However , if you believe your wienerwurst swam in the weewee , you may immediately do two things . First , prevent it from licking itself . Then , hose down the dog down or give it a thorough bathtub now with light water . Do n’t forget to employ gloves when you ’re handling your hotdog .
The effects of the poison calculate on how much the dog ingested . However , time is of the essence in saving an taint dog ’s life . So , for salutary measure , contact your vet to report what happened to the dog even after you ’ve clean him off .
break any open or standing weewee around your house , as these may be contaminated too . Empty out or cover bird baths or garden bucketful , as well as any container that your dog might be tempt to drink from .
Signs to Watch Out For
Not every algae bearing is toxic but it ’s concentrated to know for certain if the piddle near your area is dependable without any tests . So , depend for any of these sign that might indicate poisoning and straight off work your dog to vet , as per thePet Poison Hotline ( PDF ):
low - green algae typically survive in fresh water . It grows all year around in Florida but its blooms procreate productively in the summertime and autumn time of year . It is these heyday that carry the toxins that foul the water supply , accord to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC ) .
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