Butler County has no shortage of lakes, ponds and streams, but dog owners should be vigilant in determining where their pets swim.

Blooms of a toxic cyanobacteria known as blue-green algae have proven fatal for a number of dogs around the country that swam in lakes or ponds containing a bloom.

Brian Flores, assistant park manager at Moraine State Park, said park officials are aware of the canine fatalities from blue-green algae and are monitoring Lake Arthur to keep dogs and humans safe.

He said park personnel conducted a test last year in one area of the lake where an algae bloom appeared, but the results came in below the hazardous level.

Flores has not seen any blue-green algae blooms this year in Lake Arthur, nor has he heard of any in the county.

He said all lakes that are within Pennsylvania's state parks are equipped with testing kits for algae blooms.

Flores said dogs are more susceptible to the effects of blue-green algae because they tend to drink the water they play in or groom themselves afterward.

He recommends humans and dogs wash with soap and water after playing in any natural pond or lake just to be safe.

“The park is safe,” Flores said. “We do water samplings everywhere (in Lake Arthur).”

Susan Boser, a water resources educator at the Penn State Extension office in Beaver County, said blue-green algae often occurs in late summer due to a combination of unmoving water and heat.

“It's a neurotoxin,” Boser said. “In addition to dogs, it can be harmful to humans, livestock and wildlife.”

She said dog owners looking to cool off with their pup at a lake or pond first should observe the water and look for anything unusual.

“I always say it almost looks like green paint or pea soup spilled onto the surface of the water,” Boser said.

The cyanobacteria also can appear as foam or resemble an area of woolly green cotton candy or grass clippings, she said.

“The best course of action is if water looks different, like something you haven't seen before, stay out of the water just to be safe,” Boser said.

She has not heard of any blue-green algae blooms in the region this year in her capacity as a water specialist. “I've gotten a lot of questions from people with ponds on their property,” Boser said.

A brochure published by Pennsylvania Sea Grant in Erie County offers a list of precautions for dog owners who are near a suspicious-looking pond or lake.

-Keep your dog on a leash near shorelines.

-Don't let dogs wade, drink the water or eat or walk in beach debris.

-If your dog goes in the water, remove the dog immediately.

-Don't let them lick their fur or paws after getting out of the water.

-Rinse and wash the dog thoroughly with fresh water from a safe source, such as bottled water or a garden hose — or if not available, towel off the dog to remove algae debris.

-Use rubber gloves during pet cleaning.

-Dry the dog thoroughly with a clean towel or rag after bathing.

-Wash your hands with fresh water.

-Look closely for any symptoms of toxicity, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool or confusion.

-Take the dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of symptoms, as some blooms, such as blue-green algae, can be fatal quickly.