City testing Barking Springs after dog’s death

City officials continue to urge caution after another dog fatality that might have been caused by toxic algae. On Sunday, July 10, a dog died within an hour of visiting Barking Springs, and while the cause remains unknown, the city is investigating toxic algae as a possibility. Though harmful algae can always be present in Texas waterways, the extremely hot and dry conditions have heightened the threat, particularly along shorelines and in stagnant water. According to a press release from the city, “City scientists observed a few isolated mats of algae near rocks in (Barking Springs) and have taken samples for testing. Earlier this summer, the city of Austin detected toxins in algae samples at all monitoring locations on Lady Bird Lake and at Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin.” Information about current algae testing and how to manage suspected exposure to toxic algae can be found on the city web page, which also contains information on reporting suspected exposure. Residents are advised to steer clear of algae and stagnant water and to rinse themselves and their dogs off after going for a swim.