Blue-green Algae Warning

[Daisy]

I've just read a post on FB from a vet in Scotland who was unable to save a young dog healthy dog who half an hour earlier had been romping around on a walk. He had been around algae from a river. Apparently there are some blue-green algae which aren't that toxic, but other kinds can kill very quickly - in minutes. It's more often found where the water isn't flowing, like ponds and lakes and it builds up, but with all the dry weather rivers are getting low and sluggish.

I had no idea algae of any kind could be toxic to dogs, so I'm just sharing - just in case doggy members here didn't know either.

[Plantaholic]

Good idea Daisy

[Nana]

Thanks Daisy. I didn't know either.

[Nanto2girls]

I didn't know either,i will mention it to family members who have dogs.

[Daisy]

Nanto - I've told our family about it too - I had no idea there was such a thing as toxic algae, but I don't know how you tell one from the other!!

[Daisy]

I've just Goggled it and found this very useful information:

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-dogs

It says b-g algae can also be poisonous to cats.

[Gemini]

This is scary isn't it?

We have no pond and of course don't take our cats to the river but it's not easy for dog owners.

[Daisy]

Gem - yes, I think it is too. I can't believe I've never heard of this before and none of the people I've mentioned it to have either!

The name is misleading as well, as it can be other colours and can form patches on the surface of water and foamy bits as well.

[Oma]

I will mention it to DD although Storm would walk miles round rather than even look at water

[Clover]

That’s useful for dog owners to know Daisy..

However DD’s dog is like Storm She’d walk round puddles if she could.

[Enfys]

Thanks for the warning, will tell DD as Dexter loves the water.