A health advisory has been issued regarding toxic algae found in certain lakes and reservoirs in Oregon.
Children and animals are highly susceptible to the toxin that the algae releases. There have been reported dog deaths due to contact with this toxin, and death can occur 4-24 hours after exposure.
If you see odd-colored, thick, and/or foamy areas in the water, please keep your pets and children out of the water.
If your dog comes into contact with algae, rinse him off well with clean water and don’t allow him to lick his fur. If you find your dog drooling, staggering, vomiting, or having a seizure, call your veterinarian and take him in for treatment immediately!
For a list of those bodies of water in Oregon found to contain toxic algae, and a complete list of symptoms of exposure, click here.
For Clark County, visit the county website for information on any beach closures. You can also call Clark County Public Health (360) 397-8428 ext. 7275, for information on a specific body of water.
Keep in mind that not all bodies of water are monitored for toxic algae, so always do your own surveillance.
Kim Smith
Hello and welcome! Once upon a time I was a licensed animal nurse. When I had my first child I decided to leave my career and stay at home with baby. Having a child changed my perception of everything...food, products, environment, education, work, life. Everything. Since then I've been on a journey to create a more simple, holistic way of life for my family, to include the cats, dogs and chickens (and any other feathered or furry creature we have). I believe that every choice we make can bring us closer to, or take us farther away from, a harmonious existence. And our wellbeing is multi-faceted, if one area of our life is out of whack it effects everything else about us. What we eat, what we put on and in our bodies, how we integrate with our environment, how we spend our time with loved-ones, how we nourish our brains and imaginations...it ALL matters. I want to share information with you that I find truly valuable in living holistically; taking care of our whole selves. Thank-you for visiting! Kim Smith All photos used are my own, unless otherwise noted.