Scottish environmental officers urged dog walkers to take care when walking their pups around a Scots loch last week after blue-green algae was sighted.
People and pets were urged not to come into contact with the water at Loch Earn, Perthshire, amid concerns over the toxins from it.
Last month also saw a dog die while another was seriously ill after being poisoned by algae in Loch Eck in Argyll and Bute.
Experts have warned dog owners to take extra care if they believe there to be blue-algae inside an area of water during the walks.
But what is blue-green algae? And how can you keep your dog safe from becoming seriously ill or dying from it?
We’ve come up with a list of tips while explaining why it is dangerous for pups below.
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae is the term used to describe a group of bacteria known as cyanobacteria.
It is not algae as such, but the organisms were given this name as their appearance looks like algae when clumped together in the water.
The naked eye sometimes struggles to see the bacteria unless they are bundled together on the surface of the water.
When they do appear, they look like green flakes, greenish bundles or brown dots.
The algae can then bloom to look as if blue-green scum has appeared on the surface of the water. Animal charity Blue Cross describes it as looking like “pea soup”.
Blue-green algae generally appears in non-flowing fresh water - such as ponds and lochs - during lengthy periods of hot and dry weather.
It can also often build up around the edges of the water and may look like foam.
Why is it harmful to dogs?
Not all blue-green algae is dangerous for dogs - but that’s not to say that it is all safe either.
Some can produce toxins which can be very harmful to a dog’s liver. But it is difficult to tell which blue-green algae is toxic and which isn’t without any testing in a lab.
Exposure to it can result in long term health problems or even fatal for dogs after drinking or swimming in algae-contaminated water.
There is also a danger that dogs who have been swimming in algae could ingest it later after getting it stuck in their fur.
Experts say that dog owners should never take any chances if they spot any blue-green algae in the water.
Symptoms of it in your dog?
There are a number of symptoms in dogs when they are struggling with the effects of blue-green algae poisoning.
These include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, weakness, disorientation, drooling and breath difficulties.
If Scots believe their dog to have any of these symptoms after drinking from or swimming in water, they should contact their vet immediately and let them know that you’re concerned about blue green-algae.
There is currently no cure for the toxins produced but vets may be able to flush it out through vomiting if caught early enough.
Tips to keep your pets safe
The British Veterinary Association has listed a number of ways to ensure that your dog stays safe when blue-green algae is in the area.
It includes:
- Look out for any warning signs put up by the Environment Agency or local councils near water bodies.
- Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have blue-green algal bloom – don’t let them swim in it or drink from it.
- If your dog has been swimming outside, wash it thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
- Rush your pet to a vet immediately in case you’re concerned it may have ingested toxic algae.
