Toxic blue-green Algae has been infesting Lady Bird Lake in Austin as well as lakes and rivers around the country. Four dogs have died from exposure to the algae in Austin alone. While no harm has been reported in humans in Austin, there is a potential risk. Blue green algae appears in nutrient rich waters with higher temperatures and stagnant flow. The hot summer and urban run off has made for a perfect storm for the algae to flourish. The algae can release a neurotoxin that can cause in dogs abdominal pain, foaming, and eventually paralysis that leads to respiratory failure and death. While we wait for treatment strategies to work from municipal authorities, the cure likely will wait for cooler weather. In the meantime, keep your pets out of the water and keep yourself and loved ones from being exposed as well.