Last Friday Seattle Children’s Hospital put a post on its blog saying that potentially toxic algae was discovered at the Magnuson Off-Leash Dog Park beach.
Toxic algae has been a chronic problem in Green Lake, but this is the first time that I’ve heard of it at Magnuson Off-Leash Park. And this is the
Toxic algae at Green Lake last fall. Photo from Seattle DogSpot
first time I’ve heard of toxic algae forming in the winter.
Normally, algae becomes toxic when warm weather and more activity in the lake stir up phosphorus sediments from the bottom of the lake and other nutrients that the algae feed on.
Exposure to toxic alga even in small amounts, can cause severe liver and neurologic toxicity in dogs. A dog exposed to toxic algae can also contract respiratory paralysis which can kill it within 30 minutes from the start of these symptoms: tremors, weakness, drooling, paralysis, muscle rigidity, involuntary urination and defecation, and seizures.
King County sent to the Department of Ecology to determine whether or not it is toxic. Until that happens, please keep your dog out of the water at Magnuson.
If you dog touched the water at Magnuson, make sure that they do not lick their fur and rinse them with clean water. Then, rinse your hands and any exposed skin. You should also watch it closely for signs of toxicity exposure and take it to a vet immediately if they show up.
What I’d like to know is why, after four days, no one from Seattle Parks and Recreation OR the Department of Ecology have issued a statement alerting the public to the potentially toxic algae at Magnuson. Normally we hear right away if the algae is in Green Lake.
Why didn’t anyone alert the public about the algae at Magnuson?
Why do we have to hear it on an obscure blog post from Seattle Children’s Hospital?
I was at Magnuson park last weekend, saturday the 10th, and there are signs posting this information at all of the entrances to the dog park. That to me is an effective warning, especially to people who visit the dog park with their dogs.
You’re right, but usually when something like this happens they alert the media to help get the word out. It’s a good opportunity to spread the information about toxic algae to a larger audience, not just people who go to the park.
Possibly* toxic. Also, I do not mean to be so contradictory, and am by no means trying to start a internet board war, but it seems like you painted a very grim picture of the situation. Your title is labeled “Toxic algae..” and that is just not true for now. We do know that Parks and Rec have sent the algae off for testing, and they did put up warnings saying it had potential, but to call it toxic, scaring people into thinking the worst, is not fair to the situation. I very much dislike when people, even unintentionally, do something to create a panic when it is not needed. It paints a possibly negative picture of the Parks and Rec department as not doing everything the can to take care of those who use their facilities when that is something I absolutely believe to be untrue. That is just my opinion though. I very much appreciate the meat of your message and the warning intended, i just believe it could have done without some of the theatrics that I perceived from the text on my monitor. I am happy to report that my dog is happy and healthy after playing in the water at the dog park this past Saturday.
Yes, you’re correct. That wording was misleading. I’ll change the headline. FYI, they closed the water area at the park today because they did find the algae toxic. https://www.seattledogspot.com/dog-health-wellness/toxic-algae-discovered-magnuson-off-leash-dog-park/
Hello and thank you for helping spread the word. We’ve been receiving a few calls from the public about this and will put out a news release later this afternoon. Previously, as noted, we put up signs in the dog park and have spread the word on social media (Twitter and Facebook) and on our website (blog).
David Takami, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Great, thank you for letting us know.
Thank you so much for your post! We are visiting from CA with our four legged boy Buddy. He’s 12 years old. Reading the online recommendations we were going to take him to this park but for his safety will find another off leash venue. Again, thank you!
Glad we could help. That post is from Jan and I haven’t heard about toxic green algae there recently but better safe than sorry. Marymoor off-leash park in Redmond has water access and is about 4 times larger. Edmonds off-leash park has water access too.