Iowa Environmental Council launches ‘Iowa Water Watchdogs’ awareness campaign

Des Moines – This summer, the Iowa Environmental Council announced its newest education and awareness campaign, “Water Watchdogs in Iowa.” The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the risks of cyanotoxin poisoning in dogs who come into contact with harmful algal blooms in Iowa’s natural waterways.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can rapidly bloom in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams following periods of warm weather and excessive fertilizer runoff. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) can produce cyanotoxins such as microcystin, which are harmful to pets and human health. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources monitors these algal toxins weekly at 39 state park beaches across the state and issues beach advisories for microcystin concentrations above a safety threshold of 8 micrograms per liter. Cyanotoxins such as microcystin can cause flu-like symptoms in people who ingest or inhale them, or a rash from skin contact. Dogs are at greater risk for cyanotoxin poisoning due to their aquatic behavior, including swimming, drinking, and licking water and foam from their fur after being in the water. Because of their smaller size, even a small dose of cyanotoxin can lead to serious health effects. Symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning in dogs range from disorientation to fatigue, vomiting, and more serious consequences such as seizures, paralysis, or even death.

“Every year, we see tragic headlines across the country about dogs dying suddenly after coming into contact with harmful algal blooms,” said Alicia Vasto, director of IEC’s water program. “We’re using this campaign to raise awareness of the risks to dogs and to reinforce the old adage about water safety to their caregivers: When in doubt, stay out.”

Iowa has had nearly 100 weekly beach warnings for cyanotoxins over the past 5 years. IEC sends weekly updates of state and federal beach monitoring results via the Weekly Water Watch e-newsletter to highlight beaches at high recreational risk.

If you think your dog has come into contact with a harmful algal bloom and they begin to show symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning, take them to the vet immediately. Learn more about the risks, symptoms, and how to protect your dog from cyanotoxin poisoning with IECs new fact sheet.