Owners urged to beware blue-green water hazard

Dog owners are being urged to take care around bodies of water this summer as hot temperatures raise the risk of toxic blue-green algae blooms.

The algae, which is really a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, is found in lakes, ponds and rivers and can spread as temperatures soar.

Ingesting even small amounts, either by drinking contaminated water or licking fur after a dip, can cause serious illness or even death in our four-legged friends.
According to the Environment Agency, blue-green algae can form clumps that look like 'green flakes, greenish bundles or brownish dots' or even 'scum' resembling paint or jelly.

Poisoning can occur in dogs in minutes, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, muscle tremors, seizures, breathing difficulties, and collapse.

Owners should seek immediate veterinary help.

Dog walkers are advised to avoid letting their pets swim in or drink from still or stagnant water during hot weather; heed warning signs around lakes, rivers and reservoirs; and thoroughly wash their canine pals if they've been in contact with potentially contaminated water and contact a vet immediately.

Charlie Matthias, Dogs Trust senior veterinary surgeon, said: "As temperatures continue to soar and water levels drop, there is a potential for an increase in blue-green algae, which poses a real threat to dogs.

"On hot days, it can be tempting to let your dog dip in your local lake or river to cool down, but blue-green algae can make your dog very sick, and in some cases, prove fatal if ingested even in small quantities.

"We’re urging all dog owners to avoid letting their dogs swim in or drink from lakes or rivers that look green, scummy, have surface foam or have warning signs nearby.

"Blue-green algae is not always easy to spot, so if in doubt, don’t let your dogs swim in or drink from the water.

"And, if you are walking your dog near water where blue algae have formed, keep them on a lead."