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ALISON LAURIE-CHALMERS: Beware the danger posed by toxic blue-green algae to pets in the Highlands


By Alison Laurie-Chalmers

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Blue-green algae can be toxic so make sure to keep your pets away from algal blooms.
Blue-green algae can be toxic so make sure to keep your pets away from algal blooms.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are mostly found in stagnant water. These can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock, fish, and birds if ingested, even in small quantities.

Algal blooms increase in still, non-flowing, freshwater bodies during the warmer summer months. They often give the appearance of greenish-brown clumps in bodies of still water such as in ponds and at the edges of streams, and lochs.

The algae are mostly seen during hotter, drier summer months when there is less rain and can look like blue-green-brownish scum, with the appearance of a frothy, pea soup.

Take extra precautions when walking dogs around any freshwater bodies during the summer, as the warm weather conditions can increase the risk of this toxic algae growth. Blue-green algae can be very dangerous for our pets because it produces toxins that can cause liver and other organ damage and sometimes even death.

Dogs can swallow the algae by drinking from affected water and by licking their fur after a swim. It is also possible for dogs to encounter it even if they don’t go into water, as the toxic algal “blooms” can be blown to the water’s edges. Higher concentrations of the toxin are more likely to be present in the parts of the water that your dog may drink from.

Concentrations of the algae vary throughout the year, and they may not always be harmful. However, it is difficult to tell simply by looking at them whether they are dangerous, so it is best not to run the risk of allowing your dog to encounter any still water where the algae may be present.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so keep dogs on a lead during walks near any water confirmed to have algal blooms, and don’t let your pets swim in it or drink from it.

It is important also to be aware of the symptoms of exposure. These commonly include an increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in faeces, weakness, collapse, excess drooling, seizures, disorientation, trouble breathing and sadly, sudden unexplained death. These symptoms can appear within 15 minutes, or after some hours or days of exposure, depending on the type and volume of toxins ingested. The toxins cause liver and organ damage, which sadly can be rapidly fatal if left untreated. If your dog shows any symptoms after drinking from, or swimming or paddling in water, contact your vet immediately.

If your dog encounters blue-green algae, do not allow them to lick their fur, wash them down thoroughly with fresh clean water, and call your vet. There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so seek prompt veterinary treatment. If caught early enough, your vet may try to make your dog sick and give supportive treatments to counter the toxin.

If your dog has developed any symptoms of poisoning, they will need hospitalisation and intensive care.

Other animals can get blue-green algae poisoning including cats, horses, livestock, and fish. It is also a health risk to humans.

So, to keep your pets safe, check local council websites and always take note of any warning signs put up and follow all the advice.

Also, check out the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s Bloomin’ Algae App: www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae. If you spot blue-green algae and cannot see any signage, report it to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, SEPA.

If your pet has any symptoms contact your vet as soon as possible.

• Alison Laurie-Chalmers is senior consultant at Crown Vets.


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