Welcome to our doggie blog!
In our blog, together we will cover many topics about our furry friends. Education is key to understanding our dog’s world and learning from a dog’s perspective in our human world.
Let’s begin!
Today’s blog is about Mother Nature. Nature is all around us adding a plethora of colors, shapes, and a place of beauty to explore. However, nature can also have some drawbacks and be very dangerous for our beloved pets. Even in our backyards, around Chestermere’s storm ponds, our Lake and even along the sidewalks in our neighborhood nature can still present a danger to our dogs. As much as we enjoy our beautiful city while enjoying nature all around us, it is important to be aware that some things in nature are hazardous to our dogs.
Foxtail Weed (aka Foxtail Grass)
Today’s blog, we bring your attention to two very common dangers for dogs. Foxtail Weed (aka Foxtail Grass) and BlueGreen Algae. Foxtail grass can come in different varieties and grows anywhere in North America. Sometimes, you can even find Foxtail grass growing in your backyard. Foxtail grass can cause havoc on your dog’s health; however, it becomes most dangerous for our dogs in the fall season starting around August and right up until snow falls. It grows and spreads very well as it is a very hearty weed. You can see it along pathways, storm ponds, backyards, and including on and off leash designated dog park areas. There are different types, looks, and it changes throughout the year so it’s important to be able recognize it.

Foxtail Weed
1. Warning for Calgary dog owners: Be wary around foxtail grass | CTV News
2. Foxtail seeds can be a threat to dogs | CTV News
Surprisingly, there are still a lot of current and new dog owners that are unaware of these common dangers that mother nature provides. This blog is to help you protect your beloved furry friends and become more aware. Please share this information as we are entering fall season and that’s when foxtail grass becomes the most dangerous for our pets.

Blue Green Algae on lake shore
Blue Green Algae
Blue-Green Algae is another common danger for people and dogs. It can be found anywhere including lakes, ponds, creeks etc. You can visit both Alberta advisory websites below for current information:
1. Alberta Health Services – Blue Green Algae Advisories
2. Alberta Parks – Advisories & Public Safety
3.Canadian Dog Association – Symptoms and Preventions Blue Green Algae
As dog owners, we want to provide our dogs with the best healthy happy environment and to keep them safe. And so, we take it upon ourselves to learn more about what are the potential dangers both inside and outside our home. We hope that you share this doggie blog with everyone you know. Together we can help spread this important information and it could save a dog’s life. Next blog, we will take a closer look at different dog behaviours. So, what does it mean when your dog looks guilty? You may be surprised to read about the answers in our next blog.
Happy Tails!
Lisa Mayer, PPDT Certification
Dog Bite Prevention Educator Certification
Promoting Safe Canine Greetings, Expected Graduation Oct 2023