Keep animals, your pets or livestock, out of any surface scums or heavily discolored water, or rinse them with clean water if they are exposed to blooms. HABs can stick to and become concentrated on animal fur, creating a health risk when the animal grooms itself. This is particularly important because HABs may release a fast-acting nerve toxin that can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs that swim in blooms. Seek veterinary assistance if your pet shows any signs of distress after exposure to a bloom. These signs include:
- Stumbling, seizures, convulsions, or paralysis
- Excessive salivation or drooling
- Disorientation, inactivity or depression
- Elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing
If you see or suspect any of these symptoms, particularly within 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to an algal bloom, seek immediate veterinary care. For more information, visit DEC's Information about Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.
Categories: New York, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle