On July 4, a dog died after swimming in Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, with toxic algae being cited as the potential cause of death. Although the canine’s passing hasn’t been linked to the same, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) officials have warned pet parents about accidentally exposing their furry companions to toxic algae. The case is still under investigation as the agency awaits the test results from its water sampling.
Officials issue toxic algae warning after dog dies after swimming in Lake Travis
After a casual swim in a lake near Point Venture, Texas, a pup sadly passed away on Thursday. LCRA officials suspect the dog died due to exposure to toxic algae, issuing a warning for pet owners. Biologists have already taken algae and water samplings for further investigation. However, the results aren’t out yet and might take several days.
According to the warning issued by LCRA, the death was reported on Friday, July 5. The agency has requested all pet parents to keep an eye out for floating algal mats and keep their beloved furry companions out of the water whenever possible. Algae can start producing cyanotoxins anytime, and ingesting them can prove fatal.
Moreover, people are recommended to avoid algal mats, per Fox 7. Toxic algae can cause skin and eye irritation, and ingesting it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Canines are usually at risk of ingesting algal matter while picking up sticks or toys from the lake. Licking their fur after swimming through algae also puts them at risk.
It is best to avoid stagnant water to avoid exposure to the toxic algae that potentially caused the dog’s death. Moreover, ensure they don’t ingest any water or debris along the shoreline. Rinsing the pups after a swim in the lake and preventing them from licking their paws and fur will also help avoid potential exposure.
Pet parents should provide fresh drinking water for their furry friends so they don’t consume lake water. Most importantly, if your beloved pet shows signs of sickness after a visit to the lake, it is crucial to contact your vet promptly to prevent the situation from worsening.
