IEC Launches 'Iowa Water Watchdogs' Awareness Campaign

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

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can bloom rapidly in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams after periods of warm weather and excessive fertilizer runoff. These harmful algae blooms (HAB) can produce cyanotoxins, such as microcystin, that 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 an 8 microgram per liter safety threshold. Cyanotoxins such as microcystin can cause flu-like symptoms in humans that ingest or inhale them or rashes from contact with the skin.  Dogs are at a greater risk of cyanotoxin poisoning because of their behaviors in the water, including swimming, drinking, and licking water and scum off their fur after being in the water. Because of their smaller size, even a small dose of cyanotoxin can lead to serious health impacts. Symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning in dogs range from disorientation to tiredness, vomiting, and more serious outcomes like seizures, paralysis, or even death. 

“Every year, we see tragic headlines from across the country about dogs dying suddenly after coming into contact with harmful algae blooms,” said Alicia Vasto, IEC’s Water Program Director. “We are using this campaign to raise awareness about the risks for dogs, and to emphasize the old adage about water safety to their caretakers – if in doubt, stay out.” 

Iowa has had nearly 100 weekly beach advisories for cyanotoxins in the last 5 years. IEC sends weekly updates of state and federal beach monitoring results through its Weekly Water Watch e-newsletter to highlight high-risk beaches for recreation. 

If you think your dog may have come into contact with a harmful algae bloom and they begin exhibiting any symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning, take them to the vet right away. Learn more about the risks, symptoms, and how to keep your dog safe from cyanotoxin poisoning with IEC’s new factsheet.  

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