Algae and Fireworks
Algae Beware
Be aware of the dangers to your dog from blue-green algae in ponds, lakes, and rivers. No one wants to drink green water; I had no idea how dangerous it is until recently. Dogs have died after swimming in water contaminated with blue-green algae, sometimes within hours of taking a dip. Blue-green algae are present at varying levels throughout the year, but algae blooms can flourish during the summer or after a dry spell.
The algae can be found in stagnant ponds, lakes, streams, and slow-moving rivers. The blooms are deadly cyanobacteria that become visible to the naked eye once the bacteria clump together in high enough concentrations. They produce toxins that can cause everything from liver and neurological damage, resulting in shock, respiratory failure, and death. Signs to look for include vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, and seizures or paralysis. There is no treatment other than supportive care to attempt to stabilize the dog.
Not all green-blue algae blooms are toxic, but there’s no way to know by looking, so err on caution and keep the dog away from any water that might contain it. Don’t let him walk or swim in water with visible algae blooms, scum, foam on the surface, or an odor. The blooms often have the appearance of green paint or will appear as if there’s slime on the surface.
Check around your home, remove any stagnant water that may have accumulated in cans or buckets, and frequently change the water in birdbaths, plant containers, and outdoor fountains. If you think your dog may have been exposed to an algae bloom, get him to a vet ASAP.
Fireworks
Distraction
Attempt to distract him by brushing up his tricks. He will naturally relax if he is enjoying a game of fetch. Thinking about the fireworks outside is difficult when the dog concentrates on a short series of Come, Sit, Shake, Down, Roll Over, etc. The idea is to distract the dog from the noise. Then praise the dog with affection and attention for obeying a simple command of sit or shake instead of acting fearful.
This isn’t the time to begin teaching your dog a few tricks. Be sure he knows them well beforehand. He will probably have trouble concentrating at first, so the better he knows the games and tricks, the easier it will be to perform them under pressure.
A Safe Place to Ride it Out
Until the dog overcomes his fears, it is best to confine him to a place where he can’t hurt himself or destroy your property. A crate is ideal. Ideally, the dog will be accustomed to his crate to feel comfortable and secure. Don’t wait until the storm has arrived to introduce your dog to his ‘safe haven.’ A blanket to darken and make the crate more “cave-like” will help. Have the TV or stereo softly playing for “white noise.” DogTV on YouTube is the best calming music I’ve found, and it’s pretty good for human relaxation too.
