Minnesota Officials Warn About Algae Blooms + Danger To Your Dog

It's the peak of summer, and we've been seeing some of our hottest days of the year. This makes it prime time for algae blooms to form on lakes, and they are not something you should mess with.

What Are Algae Blooms?

Hot, calm weather creates the algae bloom. These thick green algae blooms look like pea soup or spilled green paint in the lake. They can be thick scum and even have a mat-like appearance. They form when there are high levels of phosphorus in the lakes. The most common cause of phosphorus levels in fertizlier runoff and yard waste.

The warm, calm weather allows the nutrients to bloom, and in some cases it can happen with dramatic growth. Not all of them are toxic, but many are, and there is no way to tell by looking at them. That's why the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says to stay out of the algae blooms because they can be toxic to humans and deadly to pets.

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Toxic To Both Humans + Pets

When humans come in contact with algae blooms, they tend to experience mild symptoms. You still don't want to get it - symptoms include rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, and all sorts of other gross stuff.

Pets, however, are at a higher risk. There have been recorded cases of dogs dying after swimming in an algae bloom. Dogs can experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rash, difficulty breathing, liver failure, and seizures.

Read More: Minnesota Animals That Are Surprisingly Great Swimmers

Why Dogs Are At The Highest Risk

Dogs swallow more water when swimming, and when they groom themselves afterwards, they continue to ingest the toxins from their coat.

If your pet is showing any symptoms, call a veterinarian immediately.

Otherwise, like the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says, "When In Doubt, Stay Out."