Pet owners have been warned by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to keep an eye on their dogs when out walking near lakes and ponds this summer due to toxic blue-green algae blooms. The algae has recently been reported in various locations across the UK, including in the Lake District with blooms spotted along Lake Windermere.
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. This month it was reported that four dogs in Northern Ireland and one dog in Conwy, North Wales died after possible contact with blue-green algae.
The algae may appear as a green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of the water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking from the affected lake, river or pond, or if they lick their fur after going for a swim. It can even be possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as the toxic blooms can be blown to the edges of the water.
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You can check for algal blooms near you, or report any you see, by using the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app. It has a map which shows confirmed algal sightings in the UK.
BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “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.”
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe:
Look out for any warning signs near water bodies
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area
There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors
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