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Red Tide

Red Tide and Dogs in Florida

Out of the water, away from dead fish and foam, washed with soap if exposed. Gulf Coast mostly, but Atlantic beaches are not exempt.

Updated September 7, 2026 3 min read By

Most visitors never meet most of this. Florida is a big state and its wildlife changes a lot from region to region - a cane toad is a South Florida backyard problem, a black bear is a central and north Florida one, and a crocodile only matters in the far south. These guides are here for the encounter you do have, not because one is likely.

Florida red tide can affect pets.

It is not just a beach-smell problem or a human respiratory nuisance.

Florida’s red tide is usually associated with high concentrations of the marine algae:

Karenia brevis

which can produce toxins called:

brevetoxins

For dog owners:

Keep pets out of affected water, away from dead fish and foam, and wash them promptly if exposure occurs.

Can Red Tide Affect Dogs?

Yes.

FWC says animals can be affected by red tide just like people.

Dogs can potentially encounter toxins by:

  • Swimming
  • Licking contaminated fur
  • Eating dead fish
  • Playing in contaminated foam
  • Breathing aerosolized toxins

Do Not Let Dogs Swim in Red Tide

If red tide is active at the beach:

Keep the dog out of the water.

Do not assume:

  • Clear-looking water
  • Calm surf

means there is no exposure.

Follow current local advisories.

If Your Dog Swims in Red Tide

FWC says to wash the pet as soon as possible.

Florida Department of Health guidance says pets exposed to red-tide water should be washed with:

  • Soap
  • Fresh water

as soon as possible.

Do not let the dog lick contaminated fur before washing.

Dead Fish Are a Major Risk

Red tide can cause fish kills.

FWC specifically says pets should not be allowed to:

  • Play with dead fish
  • Eat dead fish

during or after a red tide event.

Foam Can Contain Toxin

Keep dogs away from foam that accumulates on the beach during or after red tide.

Do not let a dog:

  • Roll in it
  • Lick it
  • Bite it

Respiratory Irritation

Brevetoxins can become aerosolized by:

  • Wind
  • Waves

Pets near the beach may experience respiratory irritation.

FWC recommends considering bringing outdoor pets indoors during a bloom if you live near the coast.

If Your Dog Starts Coughing or Acting Sick

Move the dog away from the beach and into clean air.

Contact your veterinarian if symptoms:

  • Persist
  • Worsen
  • Include weakness, vomiting or neurologic signs

Check Before Going

Before taking a dog to a Florida beach during a bloom, check:

  • FWC red tide status
  • County health alerts
  • Beach conditions
  • Fish-kill reports

Florida Red Tide Can Occur on Different Coasts

Red tide is strongly associated with Florida’s Gulf Coast, but events can also affect Atlantic locations.

For example, Florida health officials issued a red tide caution at South Ponte Vedra in St. Johns County in August 2026.

Do not assume Atlantic beaches are always exempt.

Red Tide vs. Blue-Green Algae

These are different hazards.

Red Tide

Usually coastal / marine and commonly associated with:

Karenia brevis

Blue-Green Algae

Freshwater cyanobacterial blooms that can produce different toxins.

Dogs should be kept out of both.

Fishing During Red Tide

Do not let dogs investigate:

  • Fish kills
  • Bait
  • Foam
  • distressed marine life

FWC says red tide toxins are not destroyed by:

  • Cooking
  • Heating
  • Freezing

That does not mean every healthy caught finfish is unsafe under current seafood rules, but dead or distressed fish are not dog treats.

Beach Walks During Red Tide

Even if staying out of the water:

  • Keep dog on short leash
  • Avoid carcasses
  • Avoid foam
  • Leave if respiratory irritation occurs

Emergency Signs

Seek veterinary help if your dog develops significant:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Weakness
  • Tremors
  • Loss of coordination
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Collapse

after suspected harmful-algae exposure.

Reporting

FWC accepts fish-kill reports.

Current Fish Kill Hotline:

800-636-0511

Suspected harmful-algae related pet illness should also be discussed with a veterinarian.

Best Red-Tide Safety Checklist

  • Check current conditions
  • Stay out of affected water
  • Avoid dead fish
  • Avoid foam
  • Prevent licking after exposure
  • Wash with soap and fresh water
  • Move indoors if respiratory irritation occurs
  • Call veterinarian if pet becomes ill

Red tide does not mean every Florida beach trip is dangerous.

It means the smart dog-friendly plan changes when a bloom is active:

Skip the water, avoid dead fish and use another beach day.

Sources

  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — Red Tide FAQ: myfwc.com
  • Florida Department of Health — Harmful Algal Bloom Guidance for Veterinarians: floridahealth.gov
  • Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County — August 18, 2026 Red Tide Caution: stjohns.floridahealth.gov