Animals Today June 13, 2020. Is blue-green algae harmful to dogs? Medicated lotion for people is a toxic risk to pets.

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Is blue-green algae harmful to dogs?

In 2019, there were a number of reports of dogs becoming sick and dying after exposure to ponds harboring the so-called blue-green algae. In fact, guardians should exercise caution about algae during each warm weather season.

This spring, it’s been especially warm in Florida and the algae blooms have appeared earlier than usual.  But, especially frightening is that even clear ponds can sometimes have the blue-green algae growing in them and that exposure can cause rapidly progressive illness and sometimes death. 

Veterinarian Robert Reed joins Peter to explain what exactly blue-green algae is, why it is such a hazard to dogs, and what to do if a dog may be exposed.

Medicated lotion for people is a toxic risk to pets.

Lotions and creams that contain various medications for human use can pose serious risks to dogs and cats.

Substances including estrogen and other hormones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause toxic reactions and even death when they are licked off the skin of a user, or absorbed through the skin of the pet after direct contact.

The FDA has issued a warning about this, so exercise caution if using these preparations.

Computerized simulators to train law enforcement in managing encounters with animals.

Peter then welcomes John Thompson, Deputy Executive Director and COO at National Sheriff’s Association. Thompson has been leading the effort to develop and make available realistic simulators to train law enforcement personnel to manage encounters with dogs, instead of shooting them.

Thompson, a passionate dog lover, has teamed up with VirTra and many other interested parties in the Law Enforcement Dog Encounters Training (LEDET) program to make the technology available throughout the US.

What do we know about bees- Bee knowledge quiz.

To conclude, how much do you know about bees? Take Lori’s quiz about bee facts along with Peter.

There are about 20,000 different species of bees in the world. Bees live in colonies that contain the queen bee, the worker bee and the drone. The worker bee and the queen bee are both female, but only the queen bee can reproduce. All drones are male.

Worker bees clean the hive, collecting pollen and nectar to feed the colony and they take care of the offspring. The drone’s only job is to mate with the queen. The queen’s only job is to lay eggs.