A beloved family dog died within minutes of coming into contact with a toxic type of algae on a walk.
Two-year-old retriever Cove was on a walk with owner Jan Egginton and her husband, Paul, around Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor National Park when he stopped for a sniff.
Cove was inspecting some dead fish by the reservoir's shore and had a lick when the couple quickly moved to yank him away, aware that lethal blue-green algae was present in the water. But tragically the brief touch was enough to poison Cove, who died within 45 minutes.
Now heartbroken Mrs Egginton has urged other dog owners to be aware of the algae, which has been known to kill dogs instantly.
"Cove was unforgettable. He was so much more than just a dog," said Jan, from Worcestershire. "My husband first realised all was not well when Cove started staggering as he walked back from the lake, and by the time I'd caught up with them, he was already paralysed."
Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae commonly appears in lakes and reservoirs, particularly after spells of heat, and are known to form large blooms which produce deadly toxins.
Jan said it was "frightening" to think something like that could kill a dog so quickly. She added: "We are so careful with our dogs, we think about them in everything we do; we know all of the poisonous foods and plants, and were very aware of blue-green algae, but one lick of the fish was enough."
"If Cove's story can make others more aware of the dangers not just in, but also around the water and saves lives as a result, then the pain of sharing his story will be worthwhile," she said.
Signs a dog may have ingested the algae include dribbling, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhoea, convulsions, problems breathing and organ failure. In most cases, the reaction is sadly brought on quickly, although can be delayed by a few days.
Cove's death has been the first to be scientifically confirmed as being caused by the algae, after analysis by Dr Andrew Turner from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
The Kennel Club is now advising owners to be aware of how to identify blue-green algae, and to not let their dogs swim or drink from it or even enter it themselves.
Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: "Cove's story is incredibly distressing and a heartbreaking experience for his owners.
"Blue-green algae is very dangerous to both dogs and humans and it's important that owners take preventative measures to avoid the worst. There are signs to look for to identify whether it is the toxic substance, but if in doubt, don't go near water such as ponds, streams, lakes and rivers, especially at this time of year."
Signs of the algae being present include water that appears a different colour - often resembling pea soup, although it can even be red, brown or black. The water may also smell musty, earthy or grassy and you may sometimes see foam along the shoreline.
Anyone who suspects a body of water may be infested with the algae should also report it to the Environment Agency.
