Splish, Splash, Safety: How to Keep Your Dog Safe at Minnesota Lakes This Summer
- Kris Lamkin
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Summer in Minnesota is made for lake days. With more than 10,000 lakes to explore, it's no surprise that many dogs love cooling off with a swim. Whether you're spending the day on Lake Minnetonka, Lake Waconia, or a favorite neighborhood beach, a little preparation can help keep your four-legged family member safe.
At West Metro Pet Care, we love seeing dogs enjoy the water—but their safety always comes first. One of the biggest summer hazards isn't something you can always see: harmful blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.
The Hidden Danger: Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae are naturally found in lakes and ponds. During stretches of hot weather with calm water, these bacteria can multiply rapidly into harmful blooms. Some blooms produce toxins that can make dogs seriously ill—and in severe cases, exposure can become life-threatening within hours.
Why Dogs Are Especially Vulnerable
Dogs face a greater risk than people because they naturally:
Drink lake water while swimming.
Retrieve toys from the water.
Walk through shoreline scum.
Lick their fur after swimming, swallowing any toxins that may be present.
Even a small amount of contaminated water can be dangerous.
Warning Signs of an Algae Bloom
You can't tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it, but these warning signs should make you avoid the water:
Water that looks like spilled green or teal paint.
Thick, pea soup-like water.
Floating mats of scum.
A swampy or foul odor near the shoreline.
If the water doesn't look clean, it's best to find another place to swim.
The "Knee-High Rule"
A simple guideline recommended by Minnesota health officials is this:
If you can't clearly see your feet in knee-deep water, don't let your dog swim there.
When in doubt, stay out.
Before You Head to the Lake
Before visiting a new swimming spot:
Check local beach or water quality advisories.
Review updates from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Use the BloomWatch app to see if harmful algae blooms have been reported nearby.
Choose lakes with clear, clean water whenever possible.
If Your Dog May Have Been Exposed
If your dog swims in water you later suspect contained harmful algae:
Rinse them immediately with clean, fresh water.
Prevent them from licking their fur.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, excessive drooling, stumbling, tremors, or seizures.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if any symptoms appear.
Quick treatment can make a significant difference.
What We Do at West Metro Pet Care
Many of our clients are fortunate enough to live on or near Minnesota lakes. During summer visits, some pet parents ask us to let their dogs swim—and we're always happy to do that when conditions are safe.
Before any dog enters the water, we:
Obtain the owner's permission.
Check the water for signs of algae blooms or poor water quality.
Avoid swimming if the water appears cloudy, has floating scum, or raises any concerns.
Rinse dogs with fresh water after swimming when appropriate.
Closely supervise every swim from start to finish.
Our goal is simple: give dogs the joy of swimming while minimizing unnecessary risks.
Need dependable pet care while you're away? West Metro Pet Care proudly serves families throughout Waconia, Victoria, Chaska, Chanhassen, Minnetrista, Mound, Excelsior, Shorewood, Carver, St. Bonifacius, and surrounding communities. Whether you need dog walks, pet sitting, cat care, or medication visits, our experienced team is here to help keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe.
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