Protect Your Hunting Dog From Harmful Algae

By Ammoland Editor Joe Evans

TOPEKA, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- For duck hunters and their dogs, wading through mucky water is part of the experience, but one type of “muck” can be especially dangerous for four-legged hunting partners – harmful algae blooms (HAB).

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red.

This season, if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, hunters are urged to avoid contact and keep their dogs away. Dogs that swim in or drink water affected by a HAB or eat dried algae along the shore can become seriously ill or die.

Blue-green algae are really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria,” which occurs naturally in all of our waters. Under the right conditions, the algae can rapidly increase (bloom) and produce toxins.

Although HABs typically begin in May, they can occur through October or later. HABs generally coincide with longer days and warm water temperatures and often flourish in nutrient-laden waters.

However, dead algae can wash up on shorelines and in marshy areas and persist for long periods – …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand