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Posted: 16th June 2023

Owners urged to keep dogs away from blue-green algae
Blue-green algae can contain toxins that are potentially fatal to dogs when ingested.
BVA’s advice follows recent reports of algal bloom in the UK.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning to pet owners about blue-green algae, urging them to keep their dogs safe when walking near freshwater bodies this summer.

The warning comes after a number of recent reports of algal bloom in lakes, ponds and rivers around the UK, including the Lake District and Shetland Islands. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app identifies confirmed sightings and people are encouraged to submit details and photographs of suspected sightings. 

BVA’s tips for dog owners are:
  • Look out for warning signs near water bodies
  • Keep pets on a lead around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom, and don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it
  • Wash a dog’s coat thoroughly with clean water after swimming outside 
  • Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Blue-green algae, also know as cyanobacteria, can appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of freshwater. The bacteria can contain toxins that can prove fatal to dogs when ingested even in small quantities. 

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.”



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