A dog died and another was seriously ill after being poisoned by toxic 'blue algae' at a Scots beauty spot.
The tragic incident prompted Bute and Cowal Vets in Dunoon to issue a warning to owners about keeping their animals away from the water amid rising temperatures.
One dog was brought into the vets seriously ill after suffering symptoms from toxic poisoning.
The animal was given anaesthetic and oxygen while receiving treatment.
Tragically another dog who had been playing in waters at Loch Eck, died shortly after symptoms of poisoning began to show.
The two separate incidents left the Dunoon surgery suspicious of blue-green algae in the area.
Symptoms of blue green algae poisoning can take anything from 15 minutes to a few days to develop.
These can include vomiting, twitching, seizures, increased thirst, drooling, diarrhoea, breathing issues, and sudden death.
Bute and Cowal Vets said: “We would advise against allowing your dog to swim or paddle in areas of still water during this hot weather, especially Loch Eck.
“Free flowing fresh water or seawater is much less of a risk.
“Our Dunoon surgery has recently seen two separate cases of suspected blue-green algae poisoning in dogs.
“One dog had to be anaesthetised and give oxygen by endotracheal tube until the toxic effects on the respiratory muscles wore off.
“Unfortunately, the other case, a young dog who swam in Loch Eck this afternoon, did not survive, dying soon after symptoms begin to show.
“Our heartfelt condolences to this poor family.”
Blue-green algae can’t actually be seen until it starts clumping together, according to the vets.
Once it clumps, there are a few different ways blue-green algae appears in water.
This can include a green or blueish scum on the water, or like someone has thrown paint into the water.
The toxic algae may also look like seaweed or appear as green flakes or brown dots.
It can turn water cloudy and give it a green, blue-green or greenish-brown appearance.
You might see foaming on the edge of the shore, which can look like sewage pollution.
Bute and Cowal Vets added: “Some but not all blue-green algae species release dangerous toxins into the water.
“There’s no way of telling if algae is toxic just by looking at it and even blue-green algae isn’t always toxic – some types are safe while others are only toxic at certain times of year when they’re blooming.
“If you are worried there may be blue-green algae, it’s best to keep your dog well away from the water.
“Don’t let them touch or drink it.
“Sometimes if blue-green algae is present, you might notice dead fish or other wildlife in the water.
“Never let your dog drink from water with dead fish in it.”
Pet owners should call their vet immediately if you think your dog has blue green algae poisoning.
The sooner the dog gets treatment the better their chance of survival.
If your pet comes into contact with blue green algae, don’t allow them to lick their fur and wash them if possible.
Bute and Cowal Vets added: “Call your vet ASAP as the more toxins your dog takes in, the worse their poisoning will be.
“Sadly, the outlook for blue green algae poisoning is not good.
“The toxins act very quickly, and are often deadly. The quicker your dog is treated, the higher their chance of survival.
“There is no specific treatment available, so your vet will treat your dog’s symptoms, support their organs and try to prevent the toxins causing any further damage.”
