Warning issued to all dog owners as couple's puppy suddenly drops dead after daily walk

A couple has issued a warning to anyone planning to take their dog on a summer walk after their puppy tragically died in the park. They want to share their story so others do not fall victim to a common substance which can be found in parks, and ultimately claimed the life of their pup.

Roo the Cocker Spaniel sadly died shortly after a recent walk at Anton Lakes in Hampshire where it is suspected the substance, which is deadly to dogs, may be present. The local council has advised dog walkers to keep their pets out of the water as it is tested for blue-green algae. Blue-green algae is found in freshwater like lakes, ponds, canals, rivers and reservoirs.

The bacteria produces toxic chemicals that are very harmful to the health of people and animals, according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH). Owner Hannah May Washington told WiltshireLive that after taking Roo to the lake for his daily walk on April 30, little did her and boyfriend Jordan Shearman know that they would be returning without their beloved puppy.

READ MORE: ITV Britain's Got Talent duo Ant and Dec 'split up' as contestant leaves Ant 'raging' backstage

They said: "We have taken Roo to the lakes many times before, but not so much recently, and did notice that a lot of the areas he would usually swim, was incredibly dirty, much more so than normal, so we didn't spend so much time swimming in those areas, however he did jump in briefly for a lot of them."

Anton Lakes is a popular dog walking spot situated just north of Andover, and has both a river and lake within its nature reserve. The walk seemed to be going completely fine until the young couple noticed towards the end of their walk that Roo's eyes became a little droopy.

Regarding