Is this lake safe for my dog?

The state's records cannot answer that with a yes. They can tell you whether an advisory is on file for a lake, when it was posted, and whether the state has recorded an end. Here is how to read them before a lake day with your dog.

Why dogs are more exposed

Dogs are more exposed than people: they swim through scum, drink the water and lick algae off their fur. Where an advisory is on file, keep your dog out of the water and away from scum on the shore. If your dog does go in, rinse it with clean water and do not let it lick its coat. Call a veterinarian at once if your dog vomits, drools, stumbles or has a seizure after being near the water.

What each advisory level asks

Caution: Algae that can make toxins may be present. Keep people, children and pets away from algae and scum, and do not let pets drink the water.
Warning: Toxins may be at levels that can harm people and animals. Do not swim or let children or pets in the water, and stay away from scum.
Danger: Toxins may be at levels that can seriously harm people and animals. Stay out of the water and keep children and pets away from the water and the shore.
Other signs: The state recorded an advisory of a type outside the Caution, Warning and Danger levels. Read the sign posted at the water.

A summary. The sign posted at the water and the state's own guidance govern.

Reading a lake's page

"Last posted …, no all-clear recorded" means the state's latest record for that spot is an advisory. It stays that way until the state records an end, even if the advisory is old.
"The state's latest record … recommends no advisory" is an explicit record from that date. It is not an all-clear for today: blooms can form within days.
A lake with no page here has no advisory record at all. Most lakes are never tested, so that tells you nothing about the water.

At the water

Keep your dog out of water that looks green, blue-green, brown or milky, has scum or paint-like streaks, or has mats along the shore. Bring fresh drinking water so your dog does not drink from the lake.

See every water with an advisory on file, or find a lake by county.