A family from West Lothian has been left heartbroken after two of their beloved dogs died suddenly after a walk.
Julie Campbell, her husband Kenny and daughter Lily, 14, were out walking their four pooches at Harperrig Reservoir on Saturday night (June 24) before two of their much-loved miniature dachshunds tragically passed away.
The tragic duo, Honey and Chickpea, were digging around the sand while the other two dogs, Cashew and Georgie, played in the water.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Julie, 52, told how by the time the family got home, Honey, 11, and Chickpea, aged five, had become seriously unwell.
She said: "When my husband arrived home, on taking the dogs out of the car, both dachshunds were limp and frothing at the mouth. We called the vet and were told to take them to Edinburgh.
"Before we even got into the car Chickpea had died. Honey was given treatment at the vet but died around 4.30am on Sunday morning. The vet has said it was toxicity but can’t pinpoint it."
The devastated mum added: "The impact has been horrendous. Our 14-year-old daughter witnessed everything. They were our family, they would not have hurt anyone.
"They did not deserve this and we are left absolutely heartbroken. My advice to other owners is to keep their dog on a lead in this area. There is something there that is poisonous and killed our dogs."
Scottish SPCA offers guidance for dog walkers when around water. Chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, says: “Now that the warmer weather is here, dogs often like to paddle to help cool down. There are steps that the public can take to keep their pets safe when out and about near water.
“When walking your dog stay away from unknown bodies of water where your dog may be at risk of unexpected deep water and water temperatures or unknown toxins. Avoid throwing balls for animals to chase as they may get into difficulty.
“Keep your dog on a lead if you are close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers and never leave them unsupervised or let them out of your sight when near water.
“If your animal does get into difficulty, call 999, do not put yourself in danger and go after them. Move to a place where your animal can see you and get to you safely. In most circumstances they can get out of the water themselves.
“If anybody does have any concerns about an animal, please contact our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA): SEPA is aware of reports of blue-green algae in the area. While blue-green algae is primarily a public health issue, SEPA works closely with local authorities and health boards, providing laboratory analysis of samples supplied by the local authority.
“Blue-green algae can be quite common in lochs and ponds during the warmer months. Blooms can sometimes be attributed to excessive nutrient enrichment but also occur as an entirely natural phenomenon. Although unlikely in rivers, in conditions of prolonged warm weather and low flow there is potential for it to grow in standing waters such as lochs.
People are advised not to touch anything that is suspected to be a bloom or allow children or pets to come into contact with water where blue-green algae may be present. If members of the public suspect blue-green algae, they should contact and follow advice provided by the local authority.
“Potential sightings of blue green algae can also be reported via the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology ‘Bloomin Algae’ App which can be downloaded here: www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae.”
On West Lothian Council's website, it adds: "The responsibility to manage algal blooms lies with the owner of the water concerned. However, for enquiries relating to cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae), please contact Environmental Health Contact Details. Environmental Health will assess any action required against the relevant Scottish Government guidance (opens new window) and the Lothian and Fife Cyanobacteria Action Plan."
