Harmful Algal Blooms: The Toxic Danger Lurking in Water

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As the beaches, lakes, and other recreational areas in Huntington Beach begin to welcome visitors, many of us will be venturing into the outdoors as the summer season approaches. However, reports of increasing occurrences of Harmful Algal Blooms throughout Southern California’s bodies of water pose a significant risk for both you and your pet.

A golden retriever stands in a shallow stream surrounded by green grass, with water droplets on its fur and its tongue slightly out, on a bright, sunny day.

What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)? Where Do They Occur?

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) rapidly grow in outdoor bodies of water and produce harmful toxins that can pose a risk to humans, animals, and the environment. HABs can have devastating effects on those who come into contact with them and have been known to sicken humans and be fatal to dogs and livestock who are exposed to or consume water affected by blue-green algae.

These toxic blooms occur throughout California, including our local area, and have recently been increasing in number and frequency, especially in warm weather.

A golden retriever stands in a shallow stream surrounded by green grass, with water droplets on its fur and its tongue slightly out, on a bright, sunny day.

What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)? Where Do They Occur?

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) rapidly grow in outdoor bodies of water and produce harmful toxins that can pose a risk to humans, animals, and the environment. HABs can have devastating effects on those who come into contact with them and have been known to sicken humans and be fatal to dogs and livestock who are exposed to or consume water affected by blue-green algae.

These toxic blooms occur throughout California, including our local area, and have recently been increasing in number and frequency, especially in warm weather.

How Can My Dog Be Exposed to HABs?

Your dog can be exposed to HABs by coming into contact with affected bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, pools, or rivers. This can occur when your dog swims or drinks affected water. Surprisingly, dogs are attracted to cyanobacteria and can eat the algal material in the water or lick algae caught in their fur after taking a dip in affected water.

A brown and white dog with a black collar walks through a shallow, sunlit creek, splashing water with its paw and sniffing near the surface. Green grass and rocks line the edge of the stream.
A brown and white dog with a black collar walks through a shallow, sunlit creek, splashing water with its paw and sniffing near the surface. Green grass and rocks line the edge of the stream.

How Can My Dog Be Exposed to HABs?

Your dog can be exposed to HABs by coming into contact with affected bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, pools, or rivers. This can occur when your dog swims or drinks affected water. Surprisingly, dogs are attracted to cyanobacteria and can eat the algal material in the water or lick algae caught in their fur after taking a dip in affected water.

What Are The Signs of Possible Cyanobacteria Toxin Poisoning in Dogs?

Signs of possible cyanobacteria toxin poisoning can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to occur. These signs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination

In extreme cases, exposure to HABs in pets can lead to seizures, paralysis, respiratory arrest, or even be fatal for some pets. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or call Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care immediately at (657) 756-5683.

A golden retriever runs through shallow water at a lake, holding a tennis ball in its mouth, with trees and greenery in the background.

How Can I Protect My Pet?

While planning your visit to a lake or recreational area, take note of HAB incident reports that may have occurred in the area you are visiting and be sure to avoid having your dog swim or drink water affected by cyanobacteria. Always bring plenty of fresh water for your dog to drink, and if your pet does swim in a lake or body of water, always rinse off your pet with fresh water after water contact. When venturing to public areas, it’s always best to keep your dog leashed and close to you at all times. This will help you keep your pet in sight and minimize the chance of your pup getting into trouble.

If you have any questions about your pet’s care or need to set up an appointment, please contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care at (657) 756-5683 or visit our website at Love.vet.

A golden retriever runs through shallow water at a lake, holding a tennis ball in its mouth, with trees and greenery in the background.

How Can I Protect My Pet?

While planning your visit to a lake or recreational area, take note of HAB incident reports that may have occurred in the area you are visiting and be sure to avoid having your dog swim or drink water affected by cyanobacteria. Always bring plenty of fresh water for your dog to drink, and if your pet does swim in a lake or body of water, always rinse off your pet with fresh water after water contact. When venturing to public areas, it’s always best to keep your dog leashed and close to you at all times. This will help you keep your pet in sight and minimize the chance of your pup getting into trouble.

If you have any questions about your pet’s care or need to set up an appointment, please contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care at (657) 756-5683 or visit our website at Love.vet.

Further Resources:

A brown and white dog joyfully runs through shallow water at the beach, carrying a stick in its mouth, with splashes around its legs and a calm sea in the background.
A brown and white dog joyfully runs through shallow water at the beach, carrying a stick in its mouth, with splashes around its legs and a calm sea in the background.

Further Resources:

Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care is a hybrid emergency animal hospital offering both emergency veterinary services and routine care. We offer all services and surgeries for cats and dogs. Our experienced veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, are here to help keep your pets safe and healthy. If you have any concerns about HABs or other pet health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (657) 756-5683 or visit our clinic at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.