This Harmful Plant Found In New York State Could Paralyze Your Pets
I don't know about your dog but it is almost impossible to keep ours out of the water. He will swim and retrieve sticks endlessly. No matter how much your dog loves the lakes, ponds and streams, if you see a blue-green algae STAY AWAY! This water could be toxic for your pets and you.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), exposure to contaminated water could cause your pets to experience stumbling, seizures, convulsions and paralysis. Here's what to look for.
The DEC is warning residents to look for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in any freshwater spots around New York. Be aware of that blue-green film in the water as well as blooms that are visible on the surface. Drinking these waters or simply coming in contact could be harmful to you and your pets.
To make matters a bit more complicated, there are also non-harmful algal blooms and it is difficult to know the difference. In this case it is suggested that it's best to avoid swimming, boating or drinking water with any bloom.
Know it, avoid it, report it. This is what the DEC is suggesting to individuals. Know what you are looking for, avoid the HABs and report what you have found. If you suspect that you have seen a HAB, please report the HAB to DEC. Make your report HERE.
DO NOT let children or pets wade, drink the water, or walk in beach debris if you suspect an algae bloom is present. If your pet has been exposed look for excessive salivation or drooling, disorientation, inactivity, or depression, elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing.