Racine & Me: WHS provides Swimming Safety Tips and Blue-Green Algae Awareness

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Swimming is great exercise for dogs, and it can be a great way for them to cool down during the summer, but it’s important to make sure they’re safe. · First things first – never let your dog swim unattended. Always keep a close eye on them in the water. · Not all dogs are strong swimmers and can tire out quickly. Make sure they have a way out of the water, like stairs or a ramp, and that they know how to use it. · For boating or sailing, you might want to invest in a brightly colored doggie life jacket to help keep them afloat and visible to you if they fall in. · At the beach or lake, be aware of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae occur naturally in Wisconsin waters. When conditions are right, they can quickly multiply into harmful blooms. In Wisconsin, blue-green algae blooms generally occur from mid-June to late September, with peak bloom season in July and August.

Blue-green algae can be hiding almost anywhere from the shore to the bottom of the water and usually looks like pea soup, spilled paint, or thick surface scum. Because you can’t tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it, the Wisconsin DNR advises following the rule “when in doubt, stay out!” Blue-green algae can have harmful effects if ingested by pets. Dogs are not deterred by surface scum, and they are particularly susceptible because they swallow lake water or get into muck on the shore and then lick their wet coats. When blue-green algae are ingested, animals can quickly become sick and even die. Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in pets can range from weakness and difficulty breathing to vomiting and diarrhea, and seizures, requiring immediate veterinary care. In Racine County, popular local spots like [Browns Lake] at Fischer Park and [Eagle Lake] can develop these blooms. Area dog parks with access to water like Island dog park, Johnson dog park, and Karen Nelson memorial dog park should also be considered. Most lakes in Wisconsin are not tested for blue-green algae, so it is important to assess conditions before swimming. When looking for a safe place for pets to swim, choose the clearest water possible and keep pets out of areas with accumulations of blue-green algae or dense particulate matter. Remember: “When in doubt, stay out!” If you think your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, immediately rinse their coat with fresh water and contact an emergency vet. For more information on swimming safety, visit our website wihumane.org.

Check out the WHS website for more information: www.wihumane.org