First Aid
Emergency measures for contact with cyanobacteria β for humans and animals.
πImportant Emergency Numbers
π§First Aid for Humans
Stop contact
Leave the water immediately and shower if possible. Remove contaminated clothing.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse entire skin with clean water. Wash eyes, mouth and nose especially. At least 10-15 minutes.
Monitor symptoms
Watch for symptoms: rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness. Note time of contact.
Contact doctor/poison control
If swallowed or symptoms occur, call poison control. Provide: exposure route, duration, affected person.
Do NOT induce vomiting
Do NOT induce vomiting! This can worsen the situation. Place unconscious person in recovery position.
β οΈ Call 911 immediately for these symptoms:
β Do this
β Avoid these mistakes
πFirst Aid for DogsLIFE-THREATENING
Dogs are particularly at risk! They drink from lakes and lick their fur. Even small amounts can be fatal. Documented deaths occur within 15-60 minutes.
Immediate actions:
Get away from water immediately
Get dog out of water immediately and away from the shore. Prevent further licking.
Rinse fur
If possible, rinse fur with clean water (garden hose, bottle). Prevent dog from licking itself.
Go to vet IMMEDIATELY!
Time is critical! Drive directly to nearest animal clinic. Call ahead so they can prepare.
Don't waste time
Do NOT wait for symptoms. Do NOT go home first. Do NOT try to treat yourself. Every minute counts!
Symptoms in dogs:
- β’ Excessive drooling
- β’ Vomiting, diarrhea
- β’ Weakness, staggering
- β’ Restlessness or lethargy
- β’ Muscle tremors, convulsions
- β’ Difficulty breathing
- β’ Collapse
- β’ Loss of consciousness
Tell the vet: Time of contact, water body name, whether dog drank/swam, observed symptoms, weight of dog.
π‘οΈ Prevention β Most Important
- β’ Keep dog on leash
- β’ Don't let in water
- β’ Don't let drink from lake
- β’ Watch for algae foam/mats
- β’ Bring fresh drinking water
- β’ Watch for warning signs
- β’ Green discoloration = caution
- β’ When in doubt, avoid
πSpecific Situations
ποΈ Eye Contact
- 1.Immediately flush eyes with clean running water
- 2.Flush for at least 15-20 minutes, keep eyelids open
- 3.Don't insert contact lenses, don't rub
- 4.See eye doctor if redness/pain persists
ποΈ Skin Contact / Rash
- 1.Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Change clothes and wash separately
- 3.Cool compresses for itching
- 4.See doctor for extensive rash or blisters
π§ Water Swallowed
- 1.Do NOT induce vomiting!
- 2.Rinse mouth with clean water (spit out, don't swallow)
- 3.Call poison control: 1-800-222-1222 (US) or 111 (UK)
- 4.Report amount and time, watch for symptoms
πChecklist for Doctor Visit
The following information is helpful for doctor or poison control:
π Sources & References
[1] ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Harmful Algae and Your Pet.
[2] CDC (2023). Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) - Illness and Symptoms.
[3] EPA (2019). Harmful Algal Blooms and Drinking Water.
[4] American Association of Poison Control Centers. Cyanobacteria Exposure.
[5] AVMA. Toxic Blue-Green Algae β a Warning for Pet Owners.