ICYMI: Are Dogs Getting Sick from Algae in Prospect Park?

Photo credit: allezallie.wordpress.com

Late last week, we received an email from a reader telling us that two days after her dog took a swim in an algae-laden dog beach in Prospect Park, he came down with giardia. According to DNAInfo, our reader is not alone:

Brooklyn dog groups are warning pet owners to steer clear of Prospect Park Lake, where inspectors with the state Department of Environmental Conservation recently confirmed the presence of blue-green algae, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rashes and breathing problems in both humans and animals.

Dog walker Johnny Chan of The Prospect Dog said two of his canine clients recently came down with rashes and one of them also developed kidney problems. A vet who treated the animals said he suspected the algae could be to blame, though no tests were conducted, Chan said.

FIDO also posted a warning on their FB page after one of their members alerted the community that he believes one of his dogs got sick after swimming in the lake. 

Keep your pooches safe, people!