Vet warns all UK dog owners after cocker spaniel dies
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAs summer gets underway and the weather warms up, concern has resurfaced about a potentially deadly threat to dogs. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning about toxic blue green algae growth in rivers and ponds over the coming months.
It also urges owners to keep their dogs on leads around freshwater after algal bloom has been spotted in lakes, ponds and rivers in across 50 UK locations, as identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app.
In late April, a cocker spaniel sadly died of suspected blue green algae poisoning after a swim in Anton Lakes, Hampshire. 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.
The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. Read more: The Greater Manchester borough where suspected monkeypox cases have been reported But it's also possible for our canine friends to come into contact with the bacteria even if they don’t go into water for a paddle, as toxic blooms are often blown to the edges of water bodies.
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