Key Takeaways:
- A dog owner reported that her dogs fell ill after a beach walk on a warm day, despite the water appearing clear and free of visible signs of the harmful algal bloom.
- Authorities say it remains safe to bring pets to the beach, but advise against letting them eat dead fish or swim in foamy or discoloured water.
- The algal bloom has been affecting the southern coast of South Australia, causing concerns for swimmers, surfers, and seaside business operators.
- Experts say that dogs are more susceptible to illness from the algal bloom due to their close relationship with the environment and their tendency to ingest saltwater.
- The cause of the dogs’ illness is still unknown, but it is thought to be related to a range of environmental factors, including the algal bloom and other hazardous substances in the water.
Introduction to the Issue
The recent algal bloom affecting the southern coast of South Australia has raised concerns for dog owners who frequent the beach with their pets. One such owner, Katie Wahlheim, reported that her border collies, Lucy and Ella, fell ill after a 10-minute walk on the beach, despite the water appearing clear and free of visible signs of the harmful algal bloom. Wahlheim had been avoiding the beach due to the ongoing algal bloom but had swum at the same beach without issue on Sunday and had seen lots of dogs splashing in the water, so she returned with her pets the next day.
The Effects of the Algal Bloom
The algal bloom has been lapping at South Australia’s shores, turning a coastline into a frontline, and leaving many swimmers, surfers, and seaside business operators wondering what the upcoming summer will look like. Wahlheim’s dogs showed symptoms including "reverse sneezing", a rapid inhalation that dogs do to ease throat irritation, and coughing up phlegm in small batches. Ella, one of the dogs, looked like she was a rabies case, frothing at the mouth. Wahlheim herself experienced symptoms, including a burning throat, itchy skin, and swollen eyes, but both she and her dogs have since improved.
Official Response
A Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) spokesperson said they had not received reports from veterinarians in relation to dogs becoming ill around Sellicks Beach and surrounding areas. They advised that it was safe to take dogs to the beach but not to let them eat dead fish or swim in foamy or discoloured water. PIRSA also reminded beachgoers to check daily conditions using the Beachsafe app or website. SA Health said brevetoxins produced by marine algae were "not released into the air as a result of hot weather".
Expert Insights
Estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman said she was aware of similar reactions in both humans and canines who visited the Fleurieu Peninsula and southern Adelaide beaches on Monday. Coleman said while Karenia algae cell counts remained low or zero in metropolitan beaches, the algae were present in deeper waters in the gulf, near Kangaroo Island and near Whyalla. She also noted that there were other hazardous substances in the water, including dead matter, bacteria, and viruses, that could be causing pets to get sick. Coleman said dogs were likely to show symptoms if they came into contact with sea water, as they put their noses in and lick their fur, making their relationship with the environment closer than humans.
Veterinary Perspective
Jaclyn Gosliga, medical director and co-founder of Nexus Emergency Vet at Malvern, said it was "difficult to say" what caused the dogs to fall sick but it was common to see dogs present to the clinic during summer. Gosliga noted that dogs are not as good at protecting their airways as people are, so when they’re going for a swim, they often do inhale saltwater, and they love to drink saltwater at the beach. Unfortunately, there’s not any test at the moment to determine if there is any direct link between the algal bloom and the dogs becoming ill recently.
Conclusion
The algal bloom affecting the southern coast of South Australia has raised concerns for dog owners who frequent the beach with their pets. While authorities say it remains safe to bring pets to the beach, it is essential to take precautions and monitor the health of pets after a beach visit. Dog owners should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize their pets’ exposure to hazardous substances in the water. By being informed and taking precautions, dog owners can help keep their pets safe and healthy during the summer months.
