In times of extreme heat, a walk by the river is a good way to cool down your dog. However, in some ponds and streams, cyanobacteria can cause fatal poisoning. 30millionsdamis.fr tells you everything you need to do to protect your animal.
” Be careful with pets, there is a risk of death for dogs! », warns the Regional Health Authority (ARS) Centre-Val de Loire near certain watercourses. Every summer, warnings about the presence of cyanobacteria in water bodies in France increase.
Cyanobacteria deposits attract dogs
Microorganisms called “ Cyanobacteria “. These blue-green microbes sometimes colonize the bottom of calm rivers and ponds, forming patches on rocks and pebbles that can break off and enter the water. They also settle on the banks, in the form of brownish deposits whose smell attracts dogs! So make sure your pet doesn’t drink from the river or get too close to algae-like clumps.
When ingested, cyanobacteria release toxins that can cause serious poisoning. The Centre-Val de Loire region is regularly affected by this phenomenon, with the risk being particularly high in summer and early autumn – when drought is widespread and the water table is falling. Do not hesitate to contact your regional health department to find out which bodies of water are not suitable for swimming.
If your pet escapes your vigilance while walking along a river or swimming, you need to monitor his reactions.
Symptoms that should alert you:
• Trembling of the hind legs
• Loss of balance
• anxious state
• Nausea/vomiting
• bulging eyes
• excessive drooling
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is best to ” Consult a veterinarian immediately and collect vomit if possible », advises the ARS Centre-Val de Loire. In humans, symptoms range from simple skin irritation when swimming to tremors, fever, abdominal and muscle pain or vomiting when swallowed.