Poisonous algae is killing frolicking canines across United States

Dog owners have reported this summer that their pets became fatally ill after swimming in freshwater lakes and ponds, apparently after ingesting water laden with toxic blue-green algae.

Intense blooms have led to swimming bans from lakes in the Pacific Northwest to the entire Mississippi seacoast, to Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake.

Algal blooms tend to thrive in high temperatures and after heavy rains carry fertilizer runoff and sewage into waterways. The health threats to animals range from skin rashes to neurological problems.

The blooms can release toxins that can cause liver damage, lead to respiratory paralysis or produce other fatal conditions.