Summer safety

Leaving home for holidays? Leaving your pets behind in their own home or with friends/family? Travelling with your pets? Checking your fur babies into a pet hotel?

Download our summer holiday checklist

There are many types of algae that can grow in waterways throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s important to know which algae can be harmful to people and dogs, so we can enjoy our waterways safely during summer.

Toxic algae (also called cyanobacteria) can make animals extremely sick when ingested. Unfortunately, dogs love its musty smell and will often try to investigate, lick or eat toxic algae when out walking near rivers and lakes.

If you walk your dog near ponds, lakes or rivers, remember to look out for:

black, green or brown slime on rocks
brown or black "mats" with a leathery texture and musty smell at the edge of rivers
lake water that is discoloured, cloudy or has small green blobs suspended in it

Always keep a close eye on your dog when out enjoying freshwater sites like rivers, lakes, ponds or lagoons. Don't let them swim in or drink the water, and wash them immediately if they have been in the water. Try not to let them lick their cotas.

If you think there's toxic algae in your area, keep your dog on a leash and away from the water.

Symptoms of toxic algae poisoning in dogs include panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, twitching and convulsions. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms after being in contact with a waterway, contact your vet immediately.

Symptoms can develop within 30 minutes of eating toxic algae and it only takes a small piece for dogs to become unwell.

Read Greater Wellington Regional Council's fact sheet on toxic algae