Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Summer months predicted to increase blooms
COLFAX — Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine has recently warned locals about the dangerous effects that toxic algae can have on pets.
As summer temperatures rise, the risk of toxic blue-green algae, or cyanobacterial blooms, increases in waterways.
According to WSU, these blooms can be fatal to pets and can cause death within 15-20 minutes of exposure. Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm, stagnant, and nutrient-rich freshwater bodies, conditions often exacerbated by phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizer runoff.
These bacteria produce four types of deadly toxins that can affect the liver, kidneys, nervous system or skin.
During the warmer months, assuming that all surface waters might be contaminated is safest.
Visible signs of cyanobacterial blooms include thick, gooey, green slime on the water’s surface, although they can also appear red or brown.
These blooms are often concentrated in specific areas of a waterway.
Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals near a water source can indicate the presence of blue-green algae.
WSU states that pets exposed to blue-green algae can show symptoms within 15-20 minutes of ingestion.
Symptoms include skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea; blood in stool or black, tarry stool; weakness, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, seizures, disorientation, coma, shock and difficulty breathing.
In cases of suspected exposure, immediate contact with a veterinarian or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711 is crucial.
The College of Veterinary Medicine says that to reduce the risk of exposure, it is advisable not to allow pets to swim or drink from water bodies with noticeable algae or scum on the shore.
If pets have been in water that might contain harmful algae, rinsing them off with fresh water immediately and preventing them from licking their fur is important.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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