Q: I like to go hiking and exploring with my dog and he loves to play in the water of streams and rivers. Should I be worried about algae or any other contaminants in the water?

A: With the heat finally breaking, I can’t blame you for wanting to get outside with your dog. Hiking is a great way to expend energy and stimulate the mind. Generally, I don’t have major concerns about dogs exploring streams or river banks but it is good practice to prevent your pet from drinking water from these sources, especially if the water is stagnant.

With that being said, the Maryland Department of Agriculture recently released a public health notice that you might have seen that warns pet owners to use caution when walking dogs along the Potomac River. The notice warns dog owners the avoid the blooms which have the appearance of green, cotton-like clumps or mats.

The algal blooms are common during the summer and ingestion by dogs should be taken seriously. The toxins are rapidly absorbed through the intestinal tract and can lead to tremors, seizures and paralysis. In severe cases, it can prove fatal. If your pet comes into contact with these blooms be sure to seek veterinary care immediately, even if your pet appears fine. Thankfully, at the time of publication, there had not been any reported cases. Finally, if you have livestock, they too should be kept away from these toxic algal blooms.

Q: Is my dog at risk from West Nile virus?

A: Since we’re on the topic of spending time outdoors with our dogs, I wanted to also answer this common question. While dogs certainly can get West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito, clinical disease (showing signs and symptoms of illness) is often rare or mild and most dogs will fully recover — if we even realize that they have been exposed. On the other hand, horses can develop serious diseases from West Nile and as a result, a vaccine has been developed to help protect them.

Ask The Vet is a weekly series by Dr. Devon B. Smith, a Baltimore veterinarian who is an associate at Madonna Veterinary Clinic in White Hall. Send your pet questions or photos to vet@baltsun.com.