PDSA warns of blue-green algae danger
Warm weather can encourage the growth of blue-green algae.
The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has warned dog owners to watch out for blue-green algae in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
The algae is toxic to animals and dogs are particularly at risk as they can ingest it when drinking from ponds during a walk or when grooming themselves after having a swim.
The bacteria can grow in any aquatic environment, but is most common in still or stagnant water during the summer months.
Blue-green algae poisoning can cause long-term health problems and can be fatal in the most severe cases.
Catherine Burke, a PDSA veterinary surgeon, has advised dog owners: “Be vigilant when walking your dog near any form of water, and if it looks bright green in colour, avoid at all costs.
“Never let your pooch drink from a pond or lake with dead fish or animals in either, the water could be dangerously toxic and make your pet extremely ill with potentially fatal consequences.
“Your local council will put up signposts in areas regularly affected by blue-green algae, so make sure you scan the surroundings for any indication of danger before letting your dog go for a swim.”
Symptoms can appear within 15 minutes of exposure, or up to several days later, and require urgent veterinary treatment.
Dr Burke explained: “Signs to look out for include vomiting, twitching, seizures, diarrhoea, increased thirst, drooling, breathing difficulties, or a collapse.”
If blue-green algae is seen in a place where there are no signposts warning about it, it should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
