Dog Owners Urged To Keep Pets Out Of Russian River Over Fears Of Toxic Algae

FORESTVILLE, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities are urging people to keep their pets out of the Russian River in Northern California this Labor Day weekend after a dog died from toxic algae.

Sonoma County health officials says the 3-year-old golden retriever succumbed last weekend from Anatoxin-a, a substance produced by a type of blue-green algae. The dog apparently ingested the algae while swimming in the river in Forestville.

The river will remain open but officials say children should be watched to make sure they don't ingest water and should be kept away from the algae on shore and in pools.

Warning signs were being posted at 26 beaches along the river.