Dog Dies Of Apparent Blue-Green Algae Poisoning In Douglas Co.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – One dog is ill and another has died after swimming in a Douglas County lake.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, DCSO Water Patrol received a report of one dog becoming ill and another dog becoming ill, and ultimately dying, after swimming in Red Rock Lake.

Officers said the symptoms described were consistent with blue-green algae poisoning.

An early growth of blue-green algae has been confirmed in Red Rock Lake.

According to a local DNR Conservation Officer, recent weather conditions, like the heavy rainfall runoff and warm humid temperatures, have created an environment for the algae to grow.

Property owners and others using the lake are encouraged to take measures to prevent children and animals with having exposure with the water, including inhalation or ingestion.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office also asks that property owners talk to seasonal residents and visitors about these conditions.