Pet owners are being warned after eight dogs have died from suspected poisoning.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging owners to take steps to keep their dogs safe when walking near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.
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The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.
It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.
One dog collapsed and died last month after suspected blue-green algae in rock pools on the North Wales coastline. Natural Resources Wales confirmed it had received reports of a bloom in rock pools around Penmaen Park, near Penmaenmawr Sailing Club.
A further seven dogs are now known to have died after coming into contact with shoreline and water infected with the bacteria at Lough Neagh in Co Antrim and Lough Mevlin in Co Fermanagh. There have also been several recent news reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers around the UK, including the Lake District.
BVA president Malcolm Morley told the ECHO: “Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously unwell, and can even be fatal.
"We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely. It may seem a shame to spoil your dog's fun, particularly if they are used to swimming somewhere, but if you are unsure it is safe, it is not worth the risk.
“Being aware of the symptoms of exposure is also vital as there is no known antidote for the toxins and prompt treatment is critical to help give a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.”
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