Toxic algae found in water killing animals throughout the country

EL PASO, TX — Dog owners throughout the country are bringing awareness to a toxic bacterium found in water.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, usually forms during the warm summer months and can be difficult to spot in water.

“If your dogs have been swimming in water and stuff you want to watch them really closely. Unfortunately, there’s not many red flags until it’s too late,” says Dr. Sammy Gibson, a veterinarian at Eastwood Animal Clinic in El Paso.

If an animal drinks the contaminated water, inhales it, or if touches their skin, they can become extremely sick, and in most cases die. Common side effects of the bacteria include kidney failure, liver failure, vomiting, loss of appetite, and seizures. The side effects, however, don’t last very long and your animal could die within hours.

So, what should you look for to ensure that this doesn’t happen to your furry friend?

“As a pet owner you want to look for the blooms, that can sometimes be green, red, brown, or blue but most times you can’t see anything at all,” says Gibson.

In addition to this, pet owners are also advised to call their county and ask if the water has been tested recently.