DOG owners in Scotland have been warned of an increased risk of a "toxic bacteria" following the recent heatwave.
Temperatures reached highs of 32C in Scotland over the weekend and has remained warm and humid.
Charity Dogs Trust has said that the prolonged hot weather has caused an increase in blue-green algae, which is found in lakes, ponds and rivers and can be highly toxic to dogs.
Ingesting even small amounts of the bacteria – either by drinking contaminated water or licking their fur after swimming – can cause serious illness in dogs.
In some cases, it can prove fatal due to its effect on the liver and neurological system.
Dogs Trust has urged owners to avoid letting dogs swim in or drink from still or stagnant water during hot weather and to follow the advice of warning signs which have been put in place around lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
The charity also told people to wash their dogs thoroughly if they have been in contact with potentially contaminated water and to immediately contact a vet for advice.
Charlie Matthias, senior veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, 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."
Symptoms that a dog has induced blue-green algae can appear within minutes and include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, muscle tremors, seizures, breathing difficulties and collapse.
While there is no antidote for the toxins produced by the bacteria, a vet may be able to flush them from the dog's body if they are caught early enough.
