Pet owners warned of algae mats found in the Potomac River

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — The Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Health, and Natural Resources have one message for pet owners after algae mats were found in the Potomac River: Keep your pets out of the water!

According to state officials, the algae mats were located in the river from below Williamsport to Riley Lock. 

Algae blooms can be harmful to animals, so pet owners are advised to keep their furry friends out of the water in the impacted areas until further notice. 

The algae look like mats of fine, green cotton and can be found along the shoreline, attached to rocks or plants, or floating downstream. 

The CDC says pets should not do any of the following in the area of a bloom:

• Drink the water
• Swim or play near the water
• Eat near the water
• Lick their fur after being in the water
• Eat dead animals, such as fish, found near the bloom
• Eat the algae mats
• If your pets or livestock have been in the water, immediately wash them off with clean water to keep them from licking cyanobacteria off their fur.

If your pet came into contact with an algae bloom, the CDC urges you to call a vet if your pet shows any of these symptoms:

• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Stumbling and falling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Diarrhea
• Convulsions
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors and seizures
• Any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water

State officials are monitoring the Potomac River and will advise when conditions improve. More information regarding the risk of algae blooms on pets can be found on the CDC website.