Leave high temperatures
Growth in waters explode
Stuttgart. Favored by the high 
Temperatures of the past few weeks have formed blue -green algae in many lakes and bathing waters. What many people do not know: blue algae are not algae at all, but so -called cyanobacteria, which are generally in very low concentration occur in all waters. However, if the bacteria multiply massively and separate poisonous substances into the water due to the elevated temperatures and sunlight, they are highly dangerous for humans and animals. Dogs die every year because they drank or bathed out of loaded waters. Jana Hoger, specialist for animal roommates Petaexplains how blue algae can be seen, how blue algae poisoning affects and what precautionary measures should be taken to avoid the negative consequences.
“If standing waters are greenish-clouded or have a slimy-green film, animals are neither allowed to drink nor swim in it,” said Jana Hoger. “The toxic algae can cause severe liver destruction or liver failure. In the worst case, four-legged friends can die from cyanobacteria poisoning.”
Peta gives tips
- Pay attention to bathing bans: Dogs who like to swim are particularly at risk. Many municipalities warn bathers when waters achieve a high concentration of blue algae or prohibit entering the bathing areas completely.
- Check closely: Even if no official warning has been pronounced, animal owners should check the waters in the summer very well for a blue algae infestation and do not enter the water in case of doubt. In addition to green streaks or a green-blue carpet on the water, the smell of ammonia, rotten eggs and slurry are alarm signals.
- Insert other walkers: So that the animals are not tempted at all, it is advisable to walks for the time of the so-called blue-green algae blossom (rapid propagation of the bacteria), which takes place at particularly sunny and warm days from 30 degrees Celsius, to be done away from standing waters.
- Dogs leash: To be on the safe side, people with dogs should always leash the four -legged friends in summer near lakes, ponds and slowly flowing rivers and streams.
- Wash dogs in water after the bathroom: Blue algae can also be absorbed via the fur when cleaning animals. Therefore, dogs have to be rinsed thoroughly with clear water after a bath in the lake, pond or pool.
- Always have fresh water with them: People with dogs should always have a bottle of fresh water during walks in order to offer the animals cooling and drinking something on hot days or, in case of doubt, rinsing the fur briefly.
Symptoms of blue -green algae poisoning
Dogs that have poisoned with blue algae are lethargic, weak and disoriented. They have pale mucous membranes, show excessive salivation and increased tear production. In addition, muscle tremors, muscle rigid, paralysis, seizures, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and even unconsciousness, vomiting and diarrhea. As soon as there is suspicion of poisoning, a veterinary practice must be visited immediately – there is a risk to life.
Poisoning with blue algae is also very dangerous for cats, horses and birds. Once the animals have poisoned themselves, the course of the disease is dramatic and ends fatally in many cases.
In humans, a high concentration of cyanobacteria can lead to severe mucous membrane irritation, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes or shortness of breath.
Blue algae are the oldest organisms on earth, they produce oxygen and can be found in every ecosystem. In addition to high temperatures, nutrient supply in water also promotes their growth. Substances such as phosphorus and nitrogen are rinsed in lakes and rivers in particular by sewage treatment plants and agriculture.