As we make the most of warmer temperatures, many pet owners will enjoy summer walks with their pooches – but there is bacteria lurking in lakes and streams that can seriously harm their beloved dogs.
Blue-green algae can grow in all aquatic environments, but it’s most prevalent in still or stagnant water during summer.
It has been spotted at Barton Broad and South Walsham Broad, in Norfolk, Apex Park in Burnham-on-Sea. Somerset, and Pugney’s Country Park, in Yorkshire, as well as at various other spots across the UK.
PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing said: "This particular type of bacteria is highly poisonous to animals, and can sadly be fatal, or result in long-term health problems for those that survive.
"Dogs are particularly at risk, as they are more likely to drink from ponds while out on a walk, or groom themselves after swimming in affected water.
"However – the more aware we are of the potential dangers, the better we can protect our precious four-legged friends."
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Here are some tips to keep your beloved pet safe this summer...
Recognise the danger
Blue-green algae often appears as a green or blueish scum, but sometimes has a brown tinge and it’s seen on the water’s surface, it can sometimes clump up and the blooms can create foam on the shoreline.
There’s no way of telling if algae is toxic just by looking at it, and some types of blue-green algae are only dangerous at certain times of year, but always be cautious and don’t take any risks around it.
Protect your pet
Be vigilant when walking your dog near any form of water, and if it looks bright green in colour, avoid at all costs.
Never let your pooch drink from a pond or lake with dead fish or animals in either, the water could be dangerously toxic and make your pet extremely ill with potentially fatal consequences.
Your local council will put up signposts in areas regularly affected by blue-green algae, so make sure you scan the surroundings for any indication of danger before letting your dog go for a swim.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can occur very quickly (within 15 minutes to one hour of exposure) and even a small amount can be lethal to a dog, so it’s important to act quickly and contact your vet immediately.
Signs to look out for include vomiting, twitching, seizures, diarrhoea, increased thirst, drooling, breathing difficulties, or a collapse.
Report and prevent
If you spot blue-green algae but there are no signposts to warn dog owners, you should report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
They'll test the water and put up signage in the surrounding area to warn owners and help prevent any potential future cases.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
