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The conditions of spring and summer promote the growth of harmful algae blooms in lakes and other standing bodies of water.
Waters affected by blooms — which often look like scum or foam and not actual “blooms” — pose a serious risk to dogs, and in fact have taken canine lives in the Northwest every year since the first reported case in 2009.
Warm weather months means heading to the lake to cool off. Pet owners are advised to watch out for harmful algae blooms this summer.
Last year Oregon recorded its first confirmed case of a dog death due to algae toxin. The fatality happened in Southern Oregon after a dog was playing in a creek bed, then suddenly became ill and died. At least two more dogs in the same area died during the same time period. It is believed the animals drank pooled water that contained toxic algae.