Blue-green algae is flourishing at a few lakes in New Mexico, making it more imperative that people take care of themselves and their pets should they encounter the algae.
For people, the solution is fairly straightforward.
"I would recommend washing off with clean water, either a shower, or a hose, or some sort of spigot to rinse yourself off of any potential contamination,” Shelly Lemon, chief of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau, said in a recent KRQE report.
Pets, on the other hand, can be killed if they accidentally ingest water that is contaminated with the algae.
NMED officials have confirmed that Lake Cochiti and Lake Abiquiu have tested positive for the algae. Experts advise that if you think you spot a cloud of the algae, stay out of the water.
Blue-green algae often looks like a cloud of bright green or blue spilled paint. It creates a poisonous by-product that can make humans sick. Pets often aren’t so lucky.
Contamination can cause rashes, stomach problems, dizziness and in pets, even death.
"Make sure that you do the same for your pet" in terms of rinsing them off "and give them like a freshwater bath to get any bacteria because you don't want them licking their fur,” Lemon said. “If they lick their fur after they come out, then they could ingest the blue-green algae.”
If that happens, get the pet to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
When it comes to water toys, don’t bother rinsing them off because, depending on the material the device is made of, it might have absorbed some of the toxins. Rather, just throw out the toys.
There have been many dog deaths, but no humans have died from it, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. Still, they are asking everyone to be careful when trying to cool off with water sports for now.