In this period of heat wave, the walk along the river is a good solution to refresh your dog. But in some ponds and streams, cyanobacteria can cause fatal poisoning. 30millionsdamis.fr tells you all about what to do to protect your pet.
“ Beware of pets, risk of canine mortality! “Warns the Center-Val de Loire Regional Health Agency (ARS) near certain rivers. Alerts to the presence of cyanobacteria in the water bodies of France are exploding in this summer of 2022.
Cyanobacteria deposits attract dogs
In question, 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 end up in the water. They also settle along the banks, in the form of brownish deposits whose smell attracts dogs! So be careful not to let your pet drink from the river, or get too close to the algae-like clumps.
If ingested, cyanobacteria release toxins that cause severe poisoning. The Centre-Val de Loire region is regularly affected by this phenomenon, the risk being particularly high from summer to early autumn – when drought is rife and groundwater levels are falling. Don't hesitate to ask your regional health agency to find out which waterways are not recommended for swimming.
If your animal escapes your vigilance during a walk along a river or during a swim, then you will have to monitor its reactions.
Symptoms that should alert you:
• back leg tremors
• loss of equilibrium
• anxious state
• nausea / vomiting
• protruding eyes
• excess drooling
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is better to “ consult a veterinarian without delay, having recovered any vomitus if possible ”, advises the ARS Center-Val de Loire. For humans, symptoms range from simple skin irritation when swimming, to tremors, fever, abdominal and muscle pain, or vomiting when swallowed.