08/25/2026
Water troughs, farm ponds, and slow-moving creeks can quickly become lethal during August heatwaves due to toxic blue-green algae blooms. These blooms often look like green pea soup, spilled paint, or a thick scum on the water's surface.
Ingesting even a small amount of contaminated water can cause severe, life-threatening liver or neurological toxicity in dogs, horses, and cattle alike. To protect your animals, ensure livestock troughs are regularly dumped, scrubbed, and kept free of stagnant buildup, and never let pets swim in or drink from scummy natural water.
If you suspect any of your animals have been exposed, rinse them immediately with clean water and seek emergency veterinary care right away.
Find a trusted local ALVMA veterinarian near you at alvma.com