Dog owners and swimmers warned to watch for toxic algae in rivers

Friday, 11 January 2019

Lola will not be returning to her favourite spot on the Hutt River. Toxic algae is fatal to dogs.

Dog owners and swimmers across the Wellington region are being warned to look out for toxic algae in their local river.

A piece of algae the size of a 50 cent piece can kill a dog or a small child. On Tuesday, Upper Hutt resident Lucy Doig posted a warning on social media, after spotting algae in the Hutt River near Totara Park.

Lucy Doig and Lola plan to stay away from the Hutt River after Doig spotted toxic algae in the river.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Senior Environmental Scientist Dr Mark Heath confirmed algae was present, but said it was still at very low levels.

'However, the hot dry weather is providing the ideal conditions for toxic algae growth and if it continues levels could increase quickly.'

Lucy Doig wanted other dog owners to know that she had spotted toxic algae in the Hutt River as quickly as possible.

**READ MORE:

*Toxic algae outbreak in Hutt River

* Algae more toxic that cobra venom on dogs

* Swimmers told to avoid Hutt River**

The council will continue to monitor rivers across the region but he said with temperatures rising, dog owners need to be vigilant.

'People should be alert to the possibility of its presence and keep a look for out for it in local waterways.'

Doig said that after last year's hot summer she had been cautious when walking her German short haired pointer, Lola, for a swim.

'I am a dog owner and I would be devastated if anything happened so when I saw it, I went straight home and posted (on social media) pretty much straight away.'

The water level had dropped quite significantly with the recent warm weather and Lola would not be going back the to the river over summer, Doig said.

Algae appeared to be an increasing problem in the Hutt River and she said it was a shame it was having such a big impact on people who wanted to enjoy the river.

Heath said the algae formed brown or black mats that grow on rocks in the river bed.

Mats that come loose from the riverbed wash up on the banks or form floating 'rafts' in shallow areas.

These can dry out and turn a light brown or white colour and produce a strong musty odour.

'Dogs love the smell and can eat it. Even a small amount, the size of a 50 cent piece, can kill a dog. So if in doubt, keep dogs and children out of the water.'

In January 2018, when algae levels in the Hutt River where high after a prolonged period of hot weather, Heath said the algae was more toxic than cobra venom.

Dogs die from seizures, severe vomiting and diarrhoea after they eat toxic algae and there is no vaccine or antidote.

*For more information on algae and to plan your next trip to your favourite swimming spot check the regional council's 'Is it Safe to Swim' page.