**Dog Owners Urged to Beware as Blue-Green Algae Poses Deadly Summer Threat**
As the UK basks in higher temperatures this summer, leading veterinary professionals are sounding the alarm over a seasonal hazard that can prove rapidly fatal to dogs—blue-green algae. The warning comes amid a surge in pet emergencies related to this toxic bacteria, often found lurking in ponds, lakes, and even seemingly harmless garden water features.
Jess Worthington, an experienced veterinary nurse with the out-of-hours emergency provider Vets Now, has seen the consequences first-hand. “We encounter numerous cases each year where owners were unaware of the early signs or simply didn’t realise how dangerous blue-green algae can be,” she explained. The rising heat and extended dry spells create ideal conditions for algae to thrive, making July and August particularly risky times.
Blue-green algae, technically a type of cyanobacteria, forms a slimy, scum-like layer across still water. While it sometimes appears green, blue-green, or brown, its presence is not always visible to the naked eye. This makes it especially treacherous, as even an apparently clear pond may be unsafe. Ingesting even small amounts of contaminated water or licking algae from wet fur can have devastating effects for a dog.
The symptoms of poisoning can strike with frightening speed, typically between a few minutes and a few hours of exposure. Early warning signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and, in severe cases, collapse. The toxins in the algae primarily attack a dog’s liver and nervous system, and tragically, there is currently no antidote for this type of poisoning.
Jess urges pet owners to act instantly if they believe their dog may have come into contact with contaminated water. “Every second counts,” she emphasised. “Immediate veterinary attention can be the difference between life and death. Sadly, we have seen heartbreaking cases where symptoms were spotted too late for intervention.”
Data from Vets Now, which operates more than 60 emergency clinics and hospitals throughout the UK, reveals a consistent spike in blue-green algae cases during extended periods of hot weather, particularly after heatwaves or droughts when stagnant water is common. Experts recommend dog owners take practical precautions: avoid letting pets swim or drink from still, scummy, or discoloured water, check for any local warnings or signage, and thoroughly research local beauty spots before setting off on a walk.
Where doubt exists about water quality, it is safest to keep dogs on their leads or steer them clear entirely. Following any outdoor swim, rinsing a dog’s coat with fresh water can reduce risk, as can providing easily accessible clean drinking water to deter thirst-driven pond or lake drinking.
Whilst blue-green algae is one of the most dangerous threats, Jess highlights other common water hazards as summer brings more outdoor activity. “It’s great to see owners making the most of the season with their pets, but water isn’t without risk,” she noted. Not all dogs are proficient swimmers, and even strong ones can become overwhelmed by deep water or sudden currents, sometimes leading to fatalities by drowning.
Additional risks include saltwater poisoning from seashores. Dogs that gulp seawater while frolicking at the beach may suffer vomiting, dehydration, seizures, or, in severe cases, kidney damage. Simple measures—such as limiting swimming sessions, preventing dogs from drinking seawater, and carrying extra fresh water—can significantly improve safety.
Jess’s core message remains straightforward yet crucial: “A few thoughtful steps can save lives. Stay vigilant around water, know the symptoms of poisoning, and seek medical help without delay if your dog seems unwell.”
For a comprehensive guide on keeping pets safe this summer and more on blue-green algae dangers, pet owners are advised to visit the Vets Now website. Remaining informed and cautious could ultimately be the key to a happy and healthy season for both dogs and their families.