Dog owners beware of deadly toxic algae (8.14.19)

Transcript

We have a warning for dog owners today.

Toxic algae is suspected in the deaths of four pets in two states.

Three dogs died in Wilmington, North Carolina after playing in a pond, while another died after a swim in Lake Allatoona, Georgia.

They all died of liver failure caused by ingesting water contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the harmful algae can bloom anywhere in the US in both fresh and marine waters as well as backyard pools.

The toxic algae can be green, blue, red or brown and look like foam or scum on the surface of water.

Often it smells bad but may attract animals.

If you spot the algae, leave the area immediately.

Do not let your dog drink or play in the water.

However if your dog has already been exposed, rinse the animal immediately in fresh, clean water wearing gloves to protect yourself as well.

The toxins are also dangerous to humans.

Symptoms caused by toxic algae can begin within fifteen minutes or take several days.

They include diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, difficulty breathing and seizures.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms after making contact with water, take it to the vet immediately.

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The Closed Caption version of this video can be found here: https://sign1news.com/2019/08/14/sign1news-8-14-19/