Algae Fatal To Dogs Found In Woodbury

WOODBURY, MN — Woodbury city officials are asking residents to be aware of harmful — and potentially fatal to dogs — blue-green algae blooms. Blue-green algae was found in Carver Lake Friday, July 10.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency, animals become ill when they ingest the toxins from the algae, so preventing them from drinking affected water or licking toxins from their coat is key to preventing illness.

Most blue-green algae are not toxic, but there is no way to identify if a particular bloom contains toxins that are harmful to people or animals.

If you spot a blue-green algae bloom

• Do not swim or wade through algal scums
• Do not boat, water ski, jet ski, or fish where algal scum is present
• Always shower off with soap and water after swimming in a lake, river, or pond
• Do not let dogs drink, eat, or lick algal scum off their fur
• Wash your dog off with clean water immediately if your dog swims or wades in water during an algal bloom.