3 Dogs Die After Swimming In NC Pond With Toxic Algae Bloom

WILMINGTON, NC — Two North Carolina women grieving the loss of their three beloved dogs poisoned by blue-green algae while swimming in a pond last week are vowing to do what they can to help raise awareness about the dangers of the deadly bacteria.

Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz took their three dogs — two West Highland terriers and a goldendoodle mix — on a doggie playdate to swim in a pond and play in the mud. Within minutes of leaving the pond, one of the dogs began having a seizure, owner Melissa Martin said on Facebook. By the end of the night, all three dogs were dead, the victims of blue-green algae poisoning, according to the dog owners.

"At 12:08 AM, our dogs crossed the rainbow bridge together," Martin wrote. "They contracted blue green algae poisoning and there was nothing they could do. We are gutted. I wish I could do today over. "

Over the weekend, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to collect donations to establish an awareness campaign. “In an effort to raise awareness about blue-green algae that claimed the lives of 3 sweet pups we want to get signs in front of all contaminated water so that this horrific incident doesn't happen to any other pet,” the campaign page said.

Several dogs have also reportedly died after swimming in an Austin, Texas lake believed to have been contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

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

According to the North Carolina Health and Human Services, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, is tiny microscopic plant organisms that live in water and is increasingly being found in fresh water throughout the state.

“When conditions are right, blue-green algae can multiply and accumulate rapidly, causing a ‘bloom,’” NCDHHS said. “The algae bloom may turn the water neon green, blue-green, or reddish-brown; may cause a bad smell and taste in the water; and may form a foam or scum on the water's surface. The algae may periodically use up oxygen in the water, killing fish.”

The algae can affect people and animals, too, by causing skin and respiratory irritations, as well as producing chemicals that are toxic when untreated water is consumed.

“The presence or absence of a bad smell or taste is not a reliable indicator of the presence or absence of algal toxins in the water,” NCDHHS said.

Here are some precautions to use when you see blue-green algae, according to North Carolina public health officials:

• Keep children and pets away from waters that appear discolored or scummy.
• Do not handle or touch large accumulations ("scums" or mats) of algae.
• Do not water ski or jet ski over algal mats.
• Do not use scummy water for cleaning or irrigation.
• If you accidentally come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly.
• If your pet appears to stumble, stagger, or collapse after being in a pond, lake or river, seek veterinary care immediately.
• If your child appears ill after being in waters containing a bloom, seek medical care immediately.
• If you are unsure whether or not a bloom is present, it is best to stay out of the water.

Patch Editor Shannon Antinori contributed. GoFundMe is a Patch Media partner.