Urgent warning to dog owners of hidden hazard in Scottish lochs this summer

Dogs who come into contact with the substance risk bouts of vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures

Dog owners are being urged to be cautious when walking their pooches by Scotland’s beautiful lochs, thanks to the emergence of a hazard that is dangerous to pets.

While Scots enjoyed an intense heatwave over last weekend (July 11 – July 13), we’ve seen widespread downpours this week that brought an abrupt end to the sunny spell. But this erratic weather has caused an influx of a little-known hazard in Scottish lochs and ponds which can be dangerous for dogs and humans alike.

As such, pooch parents are being encouraged to stay on high alert when on walks or swims for poisonous blue-green algae, which thrives in these recent weather conditions. Blue-green algae is not actually an alga, but rather a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

If ingested, even in small amounts, it can release harmful toxins that can have serious effects on a pooch’s liver and nervous system, which can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures.

With this in mind, Simon Crawshaw, dog nutritionist at Hilltop Pet Food is urging dog owners to keep an eye out for the signs of this toxic bacteria. The expert says knowing what to look out for is essential given the recent warm and wet weather.

Crawshaw said: “At this time of year, it’s really common for certain bodies of water to become less safe, especially after a warm spell followed by rain.

“Most owners just want to do the right thing for their dogs, and being aware of what blue-green algae looks like, and what signs to watch for is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while still enjoying summer walks.”

Here’s what the expert shared about spotting blue-green algae and keeping your pet safe from it.

How to spot blue-green algae in lochs this summer

Blue-green algae is not always easy to spot, warned the experts.

It can appear as a greenish scum or film on the water’s surface, or cause the water to have a cloudy, murky appearance.

The toxic algae tends to build up around the edges of still or slow-moving water, especially in warm, nutrient-rich environments, which are the exact conditions much of Scotland is seeing right now.

The symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs

If your dog has ingested blue-green algae, symptoms can appear within minutes, and slower reactions can occur within hours.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs include:

vomitingdiarrhoeaexcessive droolingrapid pantingweaknessdisorientationdifficulty breathingseizures

How to keep your dog safe from blue-green algae

The experts have shared several tips to protect your dog from ingesting the poisonous algae this summer.

Avoid stagnant or suspicious-looking water: If the surface looks scummy, greenish, or unusual, don’t let your dog drink from or swim in itStick to running water: Streams and rivers are generally safer than still ponds or lochs, particularly after rainfallRinse off after swims: If your dog has been in natural water, rinse their coat with clean water as soon as possible to reduce any riskWatch for signs: If your dog shows any unusual behaviour after a walk or swim, especially vomiting, shaking, or acting confused, contact your vet immediately

Local councils and environmental agencies will also sometimes post blue-green algae warnings near affected areas, so keep an eye out for any alerts online.

“You don’t need to stop enjoying the outdoors,” adds Simon. “It’s just about staying informed and making small decisions that keep your dog safe. A bit of extra caution goes a long way.”

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