Cyanobacteria: when swimming turns into a nightmare…
What are cyanobacteria? What are the dangers of cyanobacteria for dogs? Where can my dog swim safely? I explain everything to you!
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It's hot so you decide to go for a walk by the river so that your dog can swim and cool off a bit… Great idea!! You are going to have a good time together. I went there last night again with Musher, a big fan of throwing sticks in the water!! But beware, you have to be wary of certain water points in periods of high heat...
Have you ever heard of cyanobacteria? They claim canine victims every summer. Innocent dogs playing and cooling off in the water and drinking a few deadly sips… It is therefore time to take stock of cyanobacteria poisoning, which is not often talked about and which nevertheless claim victims every year.
Before canceling your session canpaddle, Canoeing or quite simply your stroll along the water's edge or your water activities with your dog, I explain what cyanobacteria are to better understand the phenomenon and its consequences.
Fortunately, not all water points are affected, so don't panic!! Don't become paranoid by not allowing your dog to swim. I just want to make you aware of this phenomenon and provide you with some explanations.
Cyanobacteria: what are they?
They are, as their name suggests, bacteria. Not to be confused with algae.
Cyanobacteria form slightly sticky filaments, not always very visible suspended in water or attached to a mineral support (thus immersed under water). The heat wave or very high temperatures cause the proliferation of these bacteria in stagnant water (branch of the river, river with very little bottom and with a very weak current, etc.).
Cyanobacteria can live in symbiosis with their environment without being dangerous. When there are too many of them, they suffocate the environment and make the water totally green but not necessarily dangerous...
Small aside, during these high temperatures, also remember to protect your dogs from heatstroke. There are some great accessories to bring some freshness to your dog like a cooling vest for your dog Trixie or cooling jacket from Ruffwear, a harness or refreshing necklace, refreshing mat.. but above all always have water with you and a travel bowl to give him to drink regularly!
During efflorescence (during high temperatures), they lose their water and crystallize into powder forming a green/blue superficial layer (in general) on the surface of the water, as if powder had been put on the surface of the water.
It is during this period that they can be dangerous because they can release cyanotoxins that are sometimes fatal for animals and dangerous for humans. Unfortunately not all efflorescence is synonymous with danger otherwise it would be too easy huh!! As soon as we saw this green film, we would take to our heels and everything would be fine. But it's not that simple!
The mechanisms of toxin production are little known and totally unpredictable! Yippee!
There are more and more cases in France each year explained by global warming (which increases the average water temperature) and pollution. Beware of sleeping water!! It's not a term to be taken lightly...
Know that these bacteria live just as well in fresh water as in salt water... So at sea, also take your precautions for taking your dog to the sea.
The dangers of cyanobacteria for dogs
Cyanobacteria are responsible for extremely serious and even fatal poisoning in dogs that have ingested contaminated water. The few cases of suspicious deaths in Maine et Loire are a sad example...
When returning from a walk near a questionable water source, if your dog shows signs of weakness, is vomiting or has diarrhoea: make an emergency appointment with your veterinarian. These poisoning symptoms are a veterinary emergency.
There really is no specific treatment or antidote for infected dogs. Your veterinarian will treat existing symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
Dogs are especially susceptible because they drink and bathe in these waters. Be vigilant for your dog! Don't let him go near an area with stagnant water. You don't want to go set foot there? Don't let your dog wade in it!
We are not spared by cyanobacteria either… They can also be guilty of certain disorders observed each year in several cases, but these poisonings are less serious than in our dogs.
Precautions to take
Unfortunately, it is not possible with the naked eye to know if the cyanobacteria you have spotted (opaque water, film of green/blue powder on the surface of the water) are toxic. Only laboratory analyzes could confirm this.
If you have doubts about a water point because the water seems stagnant and stagnant and its color does not inspire you, do not allow your dog to bathe and drink there. Quickly go your way. It is still the most effective. Trust your common sense!
Did you know? The Ministry of Health provides us with a website indicating the quality of bathing water in certain controlled places. It is an interesting tool.
Rivers with flow are not normally affected. It should be noted that several cases of poisoning have been noted in the Tarn gorges in very localized places in recent years. This does not mean that you should cancel your holidays there, however, check with the Tourist Offices or town hall on site to find out the state of the bathing waters.
Other diseases lurk in stagnant waters...
Another disease lurks in stagnant water: leptospirosis. It is caused by a bacterium: Leptospira. The latter “draws” in the stagnant waters and the ground. Rodents are carriers, but not sick, and release it in their urine! Yum!. It contaminates the dog when he drinks water from an infected pond or puddle or through the skin when he bathes in it. One of the most common symptoms is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (with blood): this is a veterinary emergency that will be confirmed by a blood test. Fever, depression, abdominal pain... are also signs that should alert you. Complications can be irreversible and deadly for your dog.
How to prevent your dog from playing in puddles? Impossible for Musher… On the other hand, it is clear that he must be prevented from drinking there!
The best prevention against this disease remains the vaccine.
Summer swimming with your dog
I will end this article by inviting you to go swimming with your dog, some water points present dangers but not all: be vigilant but not paranoid! Canoeing, kayak, Stand up paddle, water hike, pedalo, … the nautical activities to do with your dog is Wouafe good so don't deprive yourself of it!
To ensure the safety of your dog, equip it with a dog life jacket.
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