When walking your dog, please be aware of the presence of blue-green algae in lakes and ponds. Algae can also accumulate in lake drains and dammed river sections! Blue-green algae are not actually algae, but cyanobacteria. A high concentration of nutrients and plenty of sunlight are the perfect conditions for blue-green algae. For this reason, blue-green algae can develop explosively in lakes and bodies of water. They can be yellow, green, brown or even red in color.
Here are the recommendations for dealing with blue-green algae from the Canton of Zurich Health Department:
Blue-green algae can be hazardous to health in increased concentrations!
- If the algae density in knee-deep water is so high that you can no longer see your feet, do not swim.
no longer visible, do not swim
- Avoid conspicuously colored water surfaces with streaks and flakes
- People with sensitive skin, including small children, should only bathe in clear water.
water
- Avoid swallowing water
- Always shower well and dry thoroughly after bathing
- Playing and exercising with dogs should be restricted to suitable shore areas with
clear water
- Do not allow dogs to drink colored water and wash their fur if they come into contact with it,
because bacteria can be ingested through licking