Idaho's Toxic Algae Season Starting: A Real Threat To Kids, Pets

As southern Idaho gets ready for the warmer days ahead, there's a very serious threat that's forming right now along river and lake shores statewide. It's green and nasty, and is also potentially fatal for humans and dogs who ingest it.

The next two weeks leading into June are known as the starting point for toxic algae blooms throughout Idaho water ways. Cyanobacteria, the main threat that makes up these poisonous surface water slicks, can cause all sorts of health problems if ingested while out swimming, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dogs are particularly at risk, because they will drink up the bacteria along with the water and have no idea that it's a huge risk for them. Dog owners need to watch them closely while out at state lakes and rivers.

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Toxic Algae Blooms Are Forming Right Now In Idaho Waters And Can Be Fatal If Ingested

These blooms take on the appearance of greenish paint scum, and tends to wash up and gather along shorelines, right where our kids enjoy splashing and dunking under the water.

Cyanobacteria most commonly gets swallowed along with lake and river water by young kids, and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, dizziness, and liver damage, according to the CDC.

Be sure to watch your children and dogs this summer when they are around the shores of Idaho waterways. There are a number of clear and present threats this time of year in the water, and algae blooms are a big one.