Pet owners urged to avoid algae in Lake Travis as dog dies after swim at Point Venture

The Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding pet owners to keep their furry friends out of Lake Travis near Point Venture after receiving a report Friday that a dog died after swimming in the area on July Fourth.

Biologists have taken samples of water and algae in the area, but test results won't be available for several days, LCRA officials said. The river authority urged that pets be kept away from any algae in the Highland Lakes, including Lake Travis.

Most algae are harmless, LCRA officials said, but some species — notably cyanobacteria or blue-green algae — can produce toxins that are dangerous to animals and people. The LCRA has recorded only one other cyanotoxin-related death, in February 2021, said Clara Tuma, a spokesperson for organization.

Dogs are at risk of cyanotoxin poisoning because they will drink lake water, eat algal mats and lick their coats after swimming, which can have algae residue, she said.

Lake safety for pets

To keep pets safe while swimming in the Highland Lakes, the LCRA recommends that you:

• Avoid areas that have algae or are stagnant.

• Don’t let dogs consume lake water, algal material or other shoreline debris.

• Don’t let dogs lick their fur or paws after getting out of the water.

• Rinse your dog after contact with lake water.

• Provide clean, fresh water for drinking.

• If your dog becomes sick after swimming, taking it to a veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of algae poisoning

Watch for these symptoms in your dog minutes to hours after exposure to, or ingestion of, tainted water:

• Excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea.

• Foaming at the mouth.

• Jaundice or enlarged liver.

• Blood in urine or dark urine.

• Stumbling.

• Loss of appetite.

• Abdominal tenderness.

• Progression of muscle twitches.

• Respiratory paralysis.

Humans may experience different health issues, including:

• A rash, irritation, swelling or sores.

• Gastrointestinal, neurological, ear or respiratory issues.

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Eye irritation.

Source: City of Austin

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Dog dies after swimming in Lake Travis; owners urged to avoid algae