Blue-Green Algae Toxic To Dogs Found At Highland Lakes

CEDAR PARK-LEANDER, TX — Blue-green algae that is toxic to dogs and other animals have been found in more Highland Lakes, officials say.

The Lower Colorado River Authority announced Wednesday it received test results from water and blue-green algae on March 16 and 17. The tests detected cyanotoxins, which are emitted by blue-green algae and can be fatal to dogs, in algae samples from Inks Lake, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis.

According to the LCRA, low concentrations of cyanotoxin were detected in algae taken from the shoreline near the Inks Lake State Park boat ramp in Inks Lake and at the Cottonwood Shores boat ramp in Lake Marble Falls.

The LCRA said that the amount detected was significantly lower than what was detected downstream at Hudson Bend in Lake Travis.

The City of Austin announced Thursday it is changing the risk level for harmful algae on Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin from “low risk” to “increased risk,” given the recent discovery by LCRA of harmful algae in the other Highland Lakes.

Authorities said the Watershed Protection Department staff has observed accumulations of algae in areas of Lady Bird Lake and is arranging to send samples to the University of Texas at Austin for testing.

As a precaution, a sample was taken on Lake Austin and sent for testing last week. Results are expected to be posted at AustinTexas.gov/Algae.

Officials said at least five dogs died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake during the summer of 2019. The City of Austin is recommending that dog owners be cautious about allowing their dogs in Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin. If they allow their dogs in the water, it is at their own risk.

Where Toxic Blue-Green Algae Has Been Found So Far

March 23: LCRA received test results showing toxicity from blue-green algae in algae samples taken from Inks Lake, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis.

March 12: LCRA received test results showing toxicity from blue-green algae in algae samples taken at 10 locations on Lake Travis.

Feb. 26: LCRA detected cyanotoxin in algal material in Lake Travis along the shoreline on the east side of Hudson Bend. This toxin is suspected to be the cause of several dogs getting ill and dying after playing in the lake in this area.

Here's how to spot blue-green algae

Water containing toxic algae blooms will often have the appearance of a pea-green paint or will appear as if there's slime on the surface, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said. It will often concentrate along the shoreline in areas where animals may drink or swim.

Dogs can develop poisoning when they drink from or even simply swim in contaminated water sources, the society said. If blue-green algae is ingested, it can cause severe neurologic or liver damage to dogs.

Signs of blue-green algae toxicity include the following.

• Seizures.
• Panting.
• Excessive drooling.
• Respiratory failure.
• Diarrhea.
• Disorientation.
• Vomiting.
• Liver failure.

If your dog begins to experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Find more facts about the dangers of blue-green algae at the ASPCA website here.