Dog owners hit with warning over harmful disease found in ponds and puddles

Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets away from ponds and puddles as toxins in the water can cause them severe health complications. Animal experts have issued a warning over leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that spreads through the bloodstream and commonly comes from drinking water containing rodent urine.

Leptospirosis, also known as Weil's disease, can cause issues in both dogs and humans - such as red eyes, aching muscles and joints, a headache, a high temperature, feeling or being sick and a loss of appetite. An RSPCA Knowledge Base statement reads: "Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure and liver failure, and occasionally severe lung disease and bleeding disorders.