Is The Algae In Prospect Park Making Dogs Sick?

A local dog group is spreading the word about the possibility that toxic algae in Prospect Park Lake is making pups sick.

FIDO recently noted on its Facebook page that one of its member’s dogs “appear to have been showing mild symptoms from their daily swims” at the park, where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed the widespread presence of blue green algae, which can be harmful to people and pets when come into contact with them. The DEC describes symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties.

The DEC says that people and pets should stay out of and not drink any water that is discolored, has surface scums, or shows other evidence of a bloom, and if you or your pet are exposed to a bloom, you should wash off with clean water.

DNAinfo points out that the DEC website only lists Prospect Park Lake, and it’s unclear whether it’s affecting the dog beach pond near the Long Meadow, though we’ve passed by recently and noticed what appears to be the same algae there that’s on the larger lake. A spokesperson for the park told DNAinfo that it’s “important to try to avoid contact with any algae,” so it might be best not to take any chances, and keep the dogs from swimming.