Vets issue warning to dog owners over threat of toxic algae Dogs must be kept on leads near water after rise in blue green algae in ponds, lakes and rivers

Vets have issued a warning to pet owners to take extra care walking their dogs near water following reports of an increase in blue green algae.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said there has been a rise in reported instances of the toxic algae in several locations in the UK.

The algae has been confirmed in bodies of water in Edinburgh and Elgin in Scotland and in Hampshire, Cornwall, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire this summer.

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Toxic algae

BVA Junior Vice President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We know that some dogs enjoy nothing better than a paddle in a cool lake while on a walk during summer months, but my advice to pet owners would be to keep your dog on a lead during walks near water confirmed to have toxic algal blooms.

“While not all blue green algae are poisonous, it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.”

There is currently no known antidote for the toxins in the algae, so the BVA recommends prompt veterinary treatment if you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue green algae.

No antidote

While not all blue green algae are poisonous, it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Daniella Dos Santos

The algae blooms may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water and can contain toxins harmful to animals if ingested, even in small quantities.

Dogs can swallow the algae by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.

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.

Algae blooms

If left untreated, it can cause liver damage and be fatal.

The warning comes a day after news of the death of three dogs in North Carolina in the USA just hours after swimming in an affected pond.