The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has confirmed cases of blue-green algae across the Midlands, the Lake District, Scotland and Northern Ireland
The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has confirmed reports of blue-green algae blooms across several UK areas, including Birmingham, the Lake District, Northern Ireland and Central Scotland, via its reporting app.*
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, tend to grow the fastest during summer months, most typically in stagnant or slow-moving water.
With toxic blue-green algae often hard to spot, Edward Creaser, dog expert and Director at the Natural Dog Food Company, shares his top tips for differentiating between regular algae and harmful blue-green blooms, as well as signs of poisoning in dogs and how to keep them safe.
“Dogs are vulnerable to blue-green algae if they drink contaminated water, swim in it, or ingest algae that get caught in their fur while grooming. Contact with toxic blue-green algae will often cause long-term health effects and can be fatal.
Algae levels can vary throughout the year, but it’s safest not to let your dog near water where this algae could be present. Owners need to be aware of what toxic algae looks like and the early symptoms of poisoning in their dogs.”
While normal ‘green’ algae often appears as long, stringy strands, toxic blue-green algae creates a scum on the water’s surface, with green flakes and clumps.
Blue-green algae can cause water to appear cloudy or have a greenish-brown colour to it. Regular algae will also make the water green, which makes it very difficult to distinguish between the two.
Although the presence of regular algae in ponds and lakes can be harmless, an increase in dead fish in a body of water may be a sign of a high concentration of blue-green algae.
Green algae, when poked with a stick, will often cling to it, forming long, draping strands. However, toxic algae will likely break apart into smaller clumps.
If your dog shows any of the following signs after swimming in still water, contact a vet immediately:
Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can often cause liver damage in dogs and must be addressed immediately.
“To safeguard your dog from the dangerous effects of blue-green algae, it’s crucial to prevent them from entering any water that may be contaminated. Even small amounts of algae can pose serious health risks, so avoiding exposure is the best way to protect your dog from potential poisoning.”
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