Dog owners are being warned of the dangers of blue-green algae as multiple popular holiday and walking spots across the UK have had reports. The substance can be dangerous to dogs.
Experts at Kennel Store have advised pet owners on how to keep dogs safe and have highlighted the possible dangers of blue-green algae.
A spokesman said: “Dogs love cooling down in bodies of water like rivers, lakes and the sea, particularly on hotter days. But it can be hazardous for our dogs to go swimming in waters when bacteria such as blue-green algae is around.
"If you are worried about your dog and they begin exhibiting signs of blue-green algae poisoning, contact your vet immediately. The effects of blue-green algae can happen extremely quickly, and it is important your vet intervenes and can advise in a timely manner for the best outcome.”
Blue-green algae is a term that describes a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria. It isn’t actually algae but a collective term for the bacteria that looks like algae when it is clumped together in water.
It can be hard to see blue-green algae unless it has collected together, and it can pose a risk to dogs. When you do see large patches of blue-green algae, it’s common to see green flakes, brown dots and greenish bundles. It can often resemble foam and can be found at the edge of lakes or ponds. It’s often found where the water doesn’t flow and isn’t fresh, where rainfall is much less frequent, which allows the bacteria to build up.
There could be dead fish in ponds and lakes that have a high concentration of toxic bacteria. Do not let your dog drink from water containing deceased animals.
Patches of blue-green algae contain extremely harmful toxins which stop a dog's liver from functioning correctly. Although not every type of blue-green algae is dangerous, it’s important to be cautious when walking near bodies of water to prevent your dog from becoming unwell.
Exposure to blue-green algae is often fatal, and for dogs that do survive they can be left with long lasting health problems. Some types of blue-green algae can have fatal effects quickly and can kill a dog in as little as 15 minutes after drinking contaminated waters.
Signs and symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning
If your dog has been swimming or paddling in water and they start to show any of the following signs, contact your vet immediately and tell them you are concerned about blue-green algae:
- Seizures/fitting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Collapsing
- Unconsciousness
- Confused or disoriented
- Dribbling
If caught early enough, your vet will attempt to make your dog vomit in an attempt to flush the toxins out of the body. There is no antidote, but if medical intervention occurs early this gives your dog the best chance at surviving.
Sadly, blue-green algae poisoning often eventually causes fatal liver failure, so it is important owners are vigilant.
How you can protect your dog
- Keep your dog away from bodies of water that you suspect to contain blue-green algae.
- Do not allow your dog to swim or paddle in waters that contain blue-green algae
- Don’t let your dog drink water that could contain blue-green algae. Wind often blows blue-green algae to the edges of ponds and lakes and higher concentrations of toxin can reside here, where your dog is more likely to drink.
- Note warning signs and hazard notices during dog walks and follow the advice provided.
