Algae Fatal To Dogs Found In 3 Minneapolis Lakes: Officials

MINNEAPOLIS, MN —A type of algae that is potentially fatal to dogs has been found in three lakes in Minneapolis. Parks officials are urging the public to stay out of those lakes and to keep their pets out of the water.

According to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation board, blue-green algae has been confirmed at Lake Nokomis and Lake of the Isles, as well as Cedar Lake. Parks officials are highly recommending people and pets stay out of the water when these blooms are visible. Lake Nokomis is located just north of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake are located just north and west of the Uptown neighborhood.

In a news release published by parks officials, "blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins, which can make humans and animals sick, particularly if ingested."

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, symptoms of illness from blue-green algae can include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, eye irritation, cough, sore throat, and headache. Symptoms generally begin several hours up to two days after exposure.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, animals become ill when they ingest the toxins from the algae, so preventing them from drinking affected water or licking toxins from their coat is key to preventing illness.

Most blue-green algae are not toxic, but there is no way to identify if a particular bloom contains toxins that are harmful to people or animals.

If you spot a blue-green algae bloom

• Do not swim or wade through algal scums
• Do not boat, water ski, jet ski, or fish where algal scum is present
• Always shower off with soap and water after swimming in a lake, river, or pond
• Do not let dogs drink, eat, or lick algal scum off their fur.
• Wash your dog off with clean water immediately if your dog swims or wades in water during an algal bloom.