Check swimming sites are safe before you go
Toxic algae can cause serious harm to pets, and the warm and dry weather in summer means that algae is able to bloom well in rivers. When ingested, a piece the size of a 50 cent coin is enough to kill a dog. Dogs are most at risk of accidentally consuming it, as they like the smell and taste of dried toxic algae. Pay particular attention to any algae mats, or sheets of algae that float on top of water, that may wash up onto land.
If you are heading to a river or lake this summer, check the LAWA website before you leave to make sure it’s safe for your pup to swim.
If you are out and about and concerned that your dog may have eaten toxic algae, take them to the nearest vet immediately. Toxic algae can affect dogs within minutes in extreme cases. Make sure to tell your vet that you think it may have ingested toxic algae, so that they can give it the best treatment as quickly as possible.
For more information, you can visit the SPCA website.