Don’t Let Your Pond Turn Toxic
Cyanobacteria Is Killing Dogs—Here’s How You Can Stop It
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Every summer, we hear tragic stories about family dogs who go for a swim in ponds and never come back. The culprit? Cyanobacteria. When blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, bloom across a pond’s surface, the threat isn’t just ecological—it’s personal.
Cyanobacteria produce potent toxins that can kill dogs within hours. Exposure can be as simple as a curious lick of green scum on their fur or a quick drink from a contaminated shoreline. But there’s good news: this tragedy is preventable with proactive treatment using biological solutions.
What Makes Cyanobacteria So Dangerous to Dogs?
Cyanobacteria thrive in stagnant, nutrient-rich water—often fed by fertilizer runoff, internal sediment loading, and warm temperatures. These organisms produce various toxins:
- Neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxins) can cause tremors, paralysis, and rapid death.
- Hepatotoxins (e.g., microcystins) destroy liver cells, leading to vomiting, jaundice, seizures, and coma.
- Dermal toxins that cause rashes and skin irritation.
Once ingested or absorbed, these toxins can take effect very quickly—sometimes within just 15 minutes. Recent reports from New Jersey, Texas, and California show these outbreaks are becoming more frequent and widespread. Often, dog owners remain unaware of the risks, until it’s too late.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Exposed?
- Rinse immediately with clean water—do not let them lick themselves.
- Seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
- Know the signs: vomiting, staggering, panting, disorientation, seizures.
Unfortunately, treatment options are limited and mainly supportive since there’s no antidote for these toxins. That’s why prevention is key. If you manage a pond, lake, or shoreline used by pets or people, don’t wait for warning signs. Proactive, biological treatment is the safest and most sustainable defense.
Get Ahead of the Bloom
Apply MetaFloc and MuckBiotics early in the season.
Monitor Nutrients
Regular testing helps fine-tune treatments.
Eliminate Hot Spots
Shorelines, coves, and stagnant areas should be treated monthly.
Enhance with Biocatalysts
Use PondZilla Pro or AquaSticker to get the most from every treatment.
Proactive Treatment with Natural Lake Biosciences
At Natural Lake Biosciences, we don’t just fight cyanobacteria—we help water bodies heal from the inside out. Our biological solutions reduce the root causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs), lowering the risk for pets, wildlife, and people alike.
MetaFloc™
Bind the Fuel That Feeds Blooms
Cyanobacteria feed on excess phosphorus—especially what’s hidden in lake sediments. MetaFloc is a biological clarifier and phosphorus binder that locks away these nutrients. It works fast—improving clarity within hours—and provides long-term protection by halting internal nutrient recycling.
In a recent case study at Memorial Park Lake, MetaFloc reduced phosphorus by 95% and nitrogen by 72% within 3 days of application.
MuckBiotics®
Eliminate Organic Sludge That Harbors Toxins
Pond muck isn’t just messy—it’s a nutrient reservoir. Our MuckBiotics tablets deliver targeted bacteria to digest organic sediment, reducing sludge depth and cutting off the nutrient supply to cyanobacteria blooms.
In field studies, MuckBiotics reduced muck by over 58% within one season, making it a sustainable alternative to dredging.
PondZilla Pro™ and AquaSticker™
Enhance Bloom Control
When algaecide use is necessary, our biocatalysts PondZilla Pro and AquaSticker supercharge treatments by breaking down cell walls and disrupting protective biofilms.
Lab tests showed PondZilla Pro with copper algaecide performed 327% better than algaecide alone against filamentous algae.
Peace of Mind Starts at the Microbial Level
You shouldn’t have to choose between water quality and pet safety. With science-backed, eco-friendly solutions, Natural Lake Biosciences helps you protect what matters—whether it’s a community park or your own backyard pond.
Don’t wait for a bloom to make the news. Make the change now.
Tip of the day:
Natural Lake Biosciences’ full range of testing services can help you dial in a treatment plan and give you confidence it will be a success!
Related Products
MetaFloc
MuckBiotics
AquaSticker
About the Author
Landon earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He joined the Aquafix team in 2011 and currently leads the Natural Lake Biosciences division. Landon serves on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society and is a contributing member of many professional aquatic organizations. He is passionate about using his industry experience and expertise to promote sustainable and effective biological technologies for managing aquatic resources.
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