About Labradoodles

Freshwater ponds, creeks, lakes, rivers and streams can contain blue-green algae-borne toxins that are fatal to dogs.  If the water where your mini Australian Labradoodle swims looks cloudy with a green or blue-green tint, you should suspect an overabundance of blue-green algae and keep your dog out.  Blue-green algae have been documented as causing the deaths of several dogs as well as livestock and humans.

A very specific combination of environmental conditions that most commonly occurs in late summer or early fall can expediate rapid population growth of a blue-green algae family called cyanobacteria. This type of algae thrives in many aquatic environments year-round, but can reproduce out of control during sustained times of warm weather in shallow, nutrient-rich bodies of water.  This variety of blue-green algae produces a toxin that is one of the most potent natural poisons known.  The algae blooms may resemble foam, scum, or mats on the water’s surface, appearing to be blue, bright green, brown, or red.  The water may or may not smell bad, since algae usually do not produce a negative odor until they are breaking down and beginning to die out.   The only way to know for certain if water is contaminated by the bad algae is to have it tested by an expert, and to further muddy the issue, not all algae blooms are toxic.  When an algae bloom IS toxic, it can kill or sicken an animal within 15 or 20 minutes of ingestion, targeting the liver and nervous system.  Symptoms of toxic algae ingestion include skin irritation or lesions, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, convulsions, and in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure.  If you suspect your pet has come in contact with toxic algae, wash his coat immediately and call a veterinarian as quickly as possible.