Algae bloom confirmed in East Branch Forest Preserve off-leash dog area, DuPage County officials say
DuPage County officials are warning pet owners to keep their dogs out of the water in East Branch Forest Preserve after an algae bloom was confirmed in the off-leash dog area.
Warning signs have been posted at the entrances of the preserve after the bloom was discovered this week.
Owners Terry Lawson and Barb Heredia, along with their canine companions Blue and Sky, say they love to walk the area.
"They love walking out here. It's good exercise and it's a beautiful forest preserve out here. We really love it," Heredia said.
Lawson says they keep their dogs away from the water.
While algae blooms are a common natural phenomenon, officials said in warm weather they can quickly turn harmful and produce toxins that can sicken pets, children and people with weak immune systems if water with algae present is inhaled or ingested.
Harmful blooms can look like spilled blue, brown or green paint on the surface of the water.
Dan Grigas, ecologist with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, says such blooms are common during hot, dry stretches of weather.
It's not possible to tell whether a bloom is toxic just based on how it looks, so officials encourage the public to generally avoid touching the water or algae, keep their pets away from the water, and wash skin or fur thoroughly if it comes into contact with an algae bloom.
"Your dog's out here splashing around having a good time, licking their fur and ingesting the water ... they are at high risk," he said.
The Forest Preserve of DuPage County said staff will continue to inspect water conditions. How long the bloom will last is not known, but they can persist for extended periods depending on environmental conditions.
"These algae blooms, they do consist of a type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria that can release these toxins," said veterinarian Dr. Maria Stogioglu at Oz Animal Hospital in Lincoln Park.
The blue-green algae and the toxins that can be produced during blooms can cause symptoms including skin irritation, headaches, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea and neurological effects. Dr. Stogioglu said there sometimes can even be foaming at the mouth.
Neurotoxins can lead to issues like stumbling, loss of balance or tremors.
Dr. Stogioglu says dogs showing symptoms should prompt a visit to the vet, but preventing exposure is the best way to keep them safe.
"Any sort of water that looks discolored or has a bad odor, best to just avoid it. Make sure they don't go near it," she said.
