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đŸŸđŸŒŠđŸ¶ Watch out for blue-green algae, dear dog lovers!đŸŸ

  • Writer: Beat Keller
    Beat Keller
  • Jun 30
  • 2 min read

Warmer weather, sunshine ☀ & walks by the lake – what more could you want? But beware : Our beautiful waters sometimes harbor an invisible danger for our furry friends and us humans – blue-green algae !


đŸŸ Blue-green algae: Danger for our furry friends

When romping on the lakeshore or jumping into the water, it can happen quickly: dogs swallow or drink water.💧However, if this water is contaminated with blue-green algae, it can lead to serious health problems.

Even if your four-legged friend simply walks through murky, contaminated water and then licks his paws or fur, it can be dangerous. đŸŸđŸ‘…

Extreme caution is required when dealing with algae accumulations washed up on the shore, as swallowing even small amounts can be life-threatening for dogs.


🌊 Where do blue-green algae occur – and when does it become critical?

Blue-green algae are found in all our lakes and rivers. Especially in warm, calm conditions, they multiply rapidly and rise to the water surface. This is when they not only become a problem, but fortunately, they also become visible! 👀


Attention ⚠

  • discolored and cloudy water đŸš«

  • Streaks, flakes or a greasy film on the water surface đŸš«

  • Algae accumulation đŸš«


You shouldn't swim or let your dog into the water in such places. Blue-green algae grow not only freely in the water, but also on the shore—for example, on aquatic plants or rocks. 🌿

They occur particularly frequently in late summer and autumn, but can theoretically occur all year round.


Therefore, always stay alert when walking by the water! đŸ‘ïžđŸ•


✅ What can you do?

The Zurich Health and Building Directorate has compiled behavioral tips so that you know exactly what to look out for.

👉 zh.ch/blue-algae 👈

Behavior recommendation for blue-green algae

💡 Tip for everyone from Aargau:

The Consumer Protection Office of the Canton of Aargau also offers a helpful information page on water quality in the region. 🌊✅

There you'll find not only current information about the waters, but also a practical fact sheet on the topic of blue-green algae . 📄🔍


It's worth a look – for anyone who enjoys being by the water with their dog! đŸ¶ ❀

 
 
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