We are seeing an increase in blue green algae cases; this is likely to continue with the warmer weather conditions over the coming months.

Exposures in animals usually occur when they drink water from ponds or water bodies where the algae have bloomed. In dogs, exposures have occurred as a result of the animals swimming in infested water bodies and also from grooming after skin exposures.

The toxins produced by the blue-green algae can have a high acute toxicity and exposures frequently result in fatality. Clinical signs are widely varied depending on the toxin(s) involved but can include gastrointestinal signs, hepatic failure and neurological changes.

The best advice to owners is to keep dogs away from lakes and ponds that you know from signage, or suspect, contain blue-green algae.

If there is any suspicion that a dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, vets can call us for advice on 020 7305 5055.
Owners can call our Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.