Is water safe for my dog to swim in? What about toxic algae?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 7 years and 4 months old | 16 lbs
How can I tell if water is safe for my dog to swim in? I've been hearing so much about blue green algae..
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 30th, 2019
Hello. You just need to use your own senses. If the water looks very cloudy & there is obvious scum on the water & collecting on the shore, stay away. If the water smells particularly putrid, stay away. Basically, if you would not go into the water, neither should your dog & everyone will stay safe. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 10th, 2019
Not necessarily. There can be fungal and bacterial agents in the water that can make your dog sick. It is probably fine but without testing the water there is no way for me to tell you that with 100% certainty. If there is a lot of algae and/or plant material in the water I would keep my dog away from it.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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