Veterinarians and dog owners from the United Kingdom cautioned other pet owners to be

wary of where those pets often wander in the environment due to some biological factors that
could eventually put these domestic animals at risk if humans don’t pay any close attention.
According to the news article, three dogs died hours later when these domestic pets began
showing signs of seizures and liver failure after leaving the pond. The owners thought that the
warm and stagnant waters appeared to have fallen debris from flowers, the pond was actually
contaminated with blooms of Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, these organic compounds
contained toxins that are potent enough to poison humans and animals once ingested or through
skin contact.
According to Blue Cross for Pets, a UK animal charity, there is still no known cure for the
poison and contact with these bodies of water that contained blue-green algae nearly leads to
death in dogs upon drinking or when these animals licked off their fur coating could show
symptoms of liver failure within fifteen minutes of exposure or direct contact. With the increasing
number of cases, this case has drawn national attention to the dangers of the bacteria that poses
a threat to dog owners as well as other animals residing within that area. Furthermore, the state
has banned local citizens to go near the area to prevent the illnesses among individuals. The
federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention further exclaimed that Cyanobacteria are
microscopic organisms found in almost all types of water, their blooms create cyanotoxins which
are the 'most powerful natural poisons' known that could kill animals and humans once consumed.
It is highly impossible to tell if the blooms contained toxins as exclaimed by the owner, and there
are no known remedies to counteract the effects of this disease. The federal CDC also added that
these contaminated waters with increased frequency of algal blooms are linked to climate change
and human activities make these blooms worse. These organic compounds often float at the
surface of the water, these bacteria could also be found below the surface of the water.
Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are common among every terrestrial and aquatic habitat
such as oceans, freshwater, damp soil, ponds, etc. This compound is composed of 2-
Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, these chemical compounds are among the most significant
odorous compounds in cyanobacteria, they are often cited as sources of unpleasant earth-like and
musty odor, particularly in several aquatic settings. These are known for extensive and highly
visible blooms that can form in marine environment and freshwaters. Some cyanobacteria blooms
looked like blue, bright green foam floating within the surface of stagnant water. These algae
blooms also emit noxious fumes, thus recreational exposure can make humans and animals sick.
In connection with this, the state should impose a resolution amending the local water reservoirs
and other aquatic environments to prevent domestic, livestock and also humans from
accumulating this disease as well as to solve the water pollution problems in the marine
ecosystem. It is important to raise awareness of the growing threat of Cyanobacteria blooms and
their toxins to pose to public health and recreational activities.
Furthermore, prevent our local waterways from being contaminated with cyanotoxins, and
causing Cyanobacteria to bloom infecting water reservoirs and marine environment. Pet owners
should also restrict their pets from accumulating these cyanotoxins and observe their pets in case
these animals accumulate these harmful organic compounds through skin contact and/or through
ingestion. These animals could possibly shows signs of vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath,
difficulties in breathing, coughing, liver failures, seizure. Not only does it affect their liver, it also
affects their nervous system. Pet owners should not overlook these symptoms and should seek
medical attention from a veterinarian immediately. There are several chemicals that can eliminate
cyanobacterial blooms from water based systems such as calcium hypochlorite, copper sulfate,
cupricide, and simazine, these chemicals could be used to resolve the blue-green algae or
cyanobacteria problem within the environment.
 Therefore, I conclude, humans need to be aware of the presence of harmful organic
compounds that could pose a threat to domestic and livestock animals to prevent them from
accumulating this known disease during spring and summer seasons. Furthermore, dog owners
should be cautious in terms of having recreational activities with their pets and observe the
environment before releasing these animals into the area. Organic Chemistry plays a vital role in
veterinary medicine as it deters whether or not a certain chemical compound has potent toxins that
could eventually endanger animals for precautionary measures.