Warning issued to dog walkers heading to the Lake District

Pet owners have been warned by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to keep an eye on their dogs when out walking near lakes and ponds this summer due to toxic blue-green algae blooms. The algae has recently been reported in various locations across the UK, including in the Lake District with blooms spotted along Lake Windermere.

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. This month it was reported that four dogs in Northern Ireland and one dog in Conwy, North Wales died after possible contact with blue-green algae.

The algae may appear as a green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of the water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking from the affected lake, river or pond, or if they lick their fur after going for a swim. It can even be possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as the toxic blooms can be blown to the edges of the water.

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You can check for algal blooms near you, or report any you see, by using the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app. It has a map which shows confirmed algal sightings in the UK.

BVA President Malcolm Morley 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 unwell – 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