Blue Green Algae Dangers

Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says with hot weather people should be aware of the possibility of blue-green algae on area waters. She says it can be especially dangerous for pets that might ingest it. She says symptoms would include loss of appetite and energy, vomiting, stumbling around, foaming at the mouth, excessive drooling, diarrhea, tremors or seizures. Mueller says if your pet exhibits any symptoms you should take them to your veterinarian. She says Blue-Green Algae looks like paint on the surface of the water. She says it would be blue, green, brown or even red in color. She says try to be aware of the condition of the water if you are going to take a swim. It also has a sewage-like smell to it. She says it can be toxic and irritate your skin. She says if you get any on your skin wash with soap and water and do the same for your pets.