By Alice Moore of Southfield Veterinary Surgery

This summer a number of lakes across the country have been closed due to high levels of blue green algae – if a lake is closed there will always be signs but these can be missed.

Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) forms on the top of lakes and is toxic to dogs as well as people.

Initial signs of blue green algae poisoning involve gastrointestinal signs such as severe vomiting and diarrhoea but they can also progress to liver damage and this can be very serious.

With liver damage you will, again, see vomiting and diarrhoea but also symptoms will progress to weakness, pale gums, shock and collapse.

If you have any concerns that your dog might be showing these signs – particularly after swimming in an unknown lake – then get them to your vet as quickly as possible.

Your vet will treat the symptoms and try and support their liver. If you are suspicious that a lake or water course may have blue green algae then you need to contact the environment agency as both dogs’ and peoples’ health can be put at risk if they have contact with the plant.

I am not aware of any local lakes that have been shut due to blue green algae concerns but if you are away somewhere new on holiday this summer then do be aware of the risks.