Beware the blue-green algae that may be floating in a body of water near you. This stuff is no joke, and if you love the outdoors, you need to know about it. Keep your pets safe this summer. Scroll on for more details.

Indiana is populated with many bodies of water from its rivers all around to Lake Michigan in the northwest corner.
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The unfortunate news has begun to spread over the past few weeks that some of these waters are killing our canine friends. Dogs have already died from swimming in toxic waters in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.
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The cause of this toxicity is something known as blue-green algae, which is algae that becomes contaminated with tiny poisonous organisms.
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Common at the end of summer in just about any state, the magically deadly combination for this toxic algae is nitrogen runoff and extreme heat.
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Before you, your child, or your pet enter any body of water this time of year, check for bright green and bluish streaks or waves in the water.
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Dogs and children are most at risk of being poisoned as they are most likely to swallow the toxic water while playing in it.
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Some algae is so toxic that it begins working right away on its victims. The poisons can cause anything from internal bleeding to organ failure. If you think you, your child, or your pet has been contaminated, consult a doctor immediately.
If you spot this blue-green algae in a river, pond, steam, or lake near you, do not go near the water and report it immediately.
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If you just can’t stay away, here are 11 lakes to visit before summer ends.

Have you spotted any blue-green algae this year? If so, share which places around the state to avoid in the comments below.

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