West Dunbartonshire dog owners have been warned to keep their dogs on leashes around rivers and ponds due to deadly blue-green algae risks.
The British Veterinary Association has issued its annual warning to pet owners to take extra precautions when walking dogs around freshwater bodies, as warm weather conditions spark concerns about an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth over the coming months.
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. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.
