Vet warns pet owners of dangers of toxic blue-green algae on Scotland's waterways
Pet owners are being urged to be wary of toxic blue-green algae as the hot summer weather sees it bloom on freshwater bodies.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies.
The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds and rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's (UKCEH) Bloomin' Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is 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 like lakes and ponds.
Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.
It's also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams 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 ill 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 as it is not worth the risk.
'With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets 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.'
Top tips for pet owners
Look out for any warning signs near water bodies.
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it.
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors.
The most common symptoms in dogs
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea
Seizures or fitting
Weakness, collapse, or unconsciousness
Disorientation or confusion
Excessive drooling
Difficulty breathing
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to Scots dog owners over toxic substance on walking routes
Anyone with concerns should seek emergency veterinary treatment PET FEARS Urgent warning to Scots dog owners over toxic substance on walking routes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PET owners have been warned to protect their dogs from coming into contact with toxic algae which could kill them. Experts from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) say there have been reports of blue-green algae growth affecting lakes, ponds of rivers across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Blue-green algae bloom can be fatal for pets 3 It flourishes during hot weather 3 The algae is a particular danger to dogs who love to take a dip The algae, known as cyanobacteria, can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested. It may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It's also possible for them to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. Dr Rob Williams, of the BVA, 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 ill 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 as it is not worth the risk. 'With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets 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.' Pet owners should keep a look out for any warning signs near water bodies. It is also recommended that pets are kept on a lead around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom. Owners should also wash their coat with clean water if the animals have been swimming outside. If there are concerns that dog may have ingested toxic algae, owners should seek emergency veterinary treatment. We previously told how one distraught dog owner claimed her pet died after eating a 'toxic' substance at a popular walking spot. The woman believes her canine guzzled something poisonous while out and about in Aberdeen.
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Daily Record
Vet warns pet owners of dangers of toxic blue-green algae on Scotland's waterways
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged dog owners to be careful near bodies of fresh water this summer due to the dangers of toxic blue green algae. Pet owners are being urged to be wary of toxic blue-green algae as the hot summer weather sees it bloom on freshwater bodies. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies. The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds and rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's (UKCEH) Bloomin' Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is 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 like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It's also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams 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 ill 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 as it is not worth the risk. 'With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets 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.' Top tips for pet owners Look out for any warning signs near water bodies. Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it. If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae. Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area. There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors. The most common symptoms in dogs Vomiting Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Seizures or fitting Weakness, collapse, or unconsciousness Disorientation or confusion Excessive drooling Difficulty breathing
STV News
17-07-2025
- STV News
Scots dog owners warned over 'toxic' algae amid hot weather
Scottish dog owners have been warned over 'toxic' algae as hot weather continues across the country. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) urged pet owners to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies due to the warm weather bringing an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth. The warning comes after multiple reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is 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 BVA said the algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow the toxic bacteria by drinking water from an affected lake, river, or pond or licking their fur after swimming. It's also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don't go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies. British Veterinary Association junior vice president Dr Rob Williams said that if ingested, toxic blue-green algae can make dogs 'seriously ill 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 as it is not worth the risk,' he said. Dr Williams warned that there is no known antidote for the toxins, adding that prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets 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 owners think their pet has been exposed to the algae, they are urged to contact their vet as soon as possible. Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's (UKCEH) Bloomin' Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Look out for any warning signs near water bodies. Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don't let pets swim in it or drink from it. If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you're concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae. Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin' Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area. There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
