Area beaches are under advisories for blue-green algae, making the water dangerous for pets and a matter of caution for humans.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Salamonie Lake in Huntington County is under a beach advisory.
A beach advisory means that swimming and boating are permitted, but those using the water should avoid contact with algae. Swimmers should avoid swallowing water, and take a bath or shower with warm soapy water after coming into contact with the lake water.
Pets should not be allowed to swim or drink water where algae are present under the beach advisory.
Other area beaches are on a low risk beach alert, meaning that you should not drink the water and shower after you swim.
Those beaches include Lake James at Pokagon State Park and the Pokagon State Park Inn in Steuben County, and Sand Lake in Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion.
Blue-green algae can carry toxins, and can multiply quickly under the right environmental conditions. Animals are not necessarily more sensitive to the toxins than humans, but can consume more water while swimming or playing near it.
If too much of the toxins are consumed, it can be fatal to dogs.
