The warm weather has sparked concern about a potentially deadly threat to dogs lurking in rivers and ponds this summer. The British Veterinary Association has sounded its annual warning about toxic blue green algae growth over the coming months.
It comes after algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds or rivers in around 50 locations across the UK, as identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app. The BVA has urged owners to keep dogs on a lead around freshwater.
In late April, a cocker spaniel died of suspected blue green algae poisoning after a swim in Anton Lakes, Hampshire. Blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, are 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.
