So, we’ve finally arrived at summer, or supposedly! After what was one of the wettest winters on record, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to getting out and about this summer with our dogs. One of my dogs’ (a Cocker Spaniel) all time favourite things to do in the warmer weather is to go swimming. Literally any body of water and he happily sees it as an opportunity to take a dip, albeit not always with my consent. Fortunately for him, not so much for me who has to deal with the clean up, there are now more than ever a myriad of places to take him to enjoy this obsession. From country parks, lakes, rivers, streams and even some woodland areas, to the beach and some more commercialised purpose-built venues, such as hydrotherapy centres. No matter where you are in the country, you’re bound to have something in your area to appease your water loving pups. Wherever you decide to take your pooch for a plunge, there’s always the duty of care that falls to us as owners to ensure they enjoy each place safely. I’d say most owners of these water-loving hounds are happy to allow their dog to partake in the activity. However, not all owners are aware just how dangerous some swimming locations can be, not just for the obvious dangers like the potential for drowning, especially in new and unknown places, but for other, lesser known, and potentially fatal hazards lurking, such as blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae (BGA) or cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that are technically bacteria. These bacteria growths can be found inland in places such as rivers, lakes and streams, as well as in the sea. BGA blooms and their scum are a natural annually occurring feature in some bodies of water, especially after a heatwave when conditions are warm and dry and presents itself most recognisably as a shimmering blue-green layer on the surface of the water. At its peak, this ‘scum’ is far easier to see than when it appears as green streaks, tiny green specks within the water, or as a foam around the edges of ponds or lakes.
This bacteria is extremely poisonous to dogs, even ingesting a tiny amount can be fatal. Last year alone 12 dogs reportedly lost their lives across the UK with many others being affected. Dogs who come into contact with BGA through swimming or ingesting contaminated waters, either directly or from licking their fur, can show signs of poisoning in as little as 15 minutes after exposure. Symptoms can present and progress extremely rapidly. BGA poisoning can vary and include some or all of the following: vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures / fitting, weakness, collapse / unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, drooling or disorientation. Unfortunately, there is currently no known antidote for this type of toxin, therefore getting your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible is paramount to their chances of survival and recovery. Your vet will most likely induce vomiting in your dog in an attempt to expel the toxin. From there they may use supportive treatments such as oxygen therapy, a drip or give activated charcoal to absorb the toxins. Tragically in some cases, this type of poison causes fatal liver failure or long term health issues.
Being vigilant is the easiest way to prevent any potential contact; any contaminated waters that have been identified by the authorities will have official blue-green algae warning signs. Obviously, never go near or enter waters with these warning signs present. Keep an eye on local news reports and social media or use an interactive map that shows reported sightings in your area. Furthermore, visually inspect waters yourself before either you or your dog come into contact with the water. There is a simple ‘stick test’ that can be done to aid in identifying affected waters. Find a stick long enough to be able to ‘sample’ the water at a safe distance, submerge the stick in the water and if the scum either comes out attached to the stick and / or breaks into small particles or irregular shaped clumps, then it is likely to be blue-green algae. If you come across what you believe are contaminated waters, there are a few suggested ways to report these sightings: you can use the ‘Bloomin’ Algae app’, which is a great tool for viewing already contaminated areas to alerting potential sightings of the algae to the authorities; or to help to further educate people on algae blooms. The app also has a great feature for notifying you of new sightings which helps to keep you updated. Alternatively, you can contact your local authority environmental health department directly who will investigate any reports submitted to them through their incident hotline or the app. Where possible, also alert friends and family and warn others through social media channels to help spread the word quickly; even if you only suspect the waters may be contaminated, it is always better to stay clear than risk you or your pet being poisoned.
It's worth noting that humans can also be affected by this algae. Symptoms for humans include; stomach cramps, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation to skin, eyes or throat or allergy-type reactions, including breathing difficulties. Much like when your dog has been exposed, rapid medical attention should be sought if you suspect contact with the bacteria. Slightly reassuringly though, there have been no reported deaths to humans from BGA poisoning.
Many of us also enjoy taking our dogs to the beach for a swim and paddling in the sea water has some great benefits, is free, and a brilliant resource to use for dog enrichment. This activity still requires owners to be vigilant and sensible. Owners need to be aware of the potential dangers here too, even dogs who are confident and at home in the water can still be swept away by the tide or become disorientated in unfamiliar waters. Furthermore, sea water is extremely salty, even dogs who don’t actually ‘swim’ in the water could be at risk of salt water poisoning. Unlike BGA poisoning, a dog has to consume a relatively high amount of salty sea water for it to cause fatal kidney or brain damage. Ingesting a small amount is more likely to result in an upset stomach than require veterinary treatment. However, if not carefully monitoring your dog when at the beach, it can lead to them becoming overheated and thirsty, causing them to drink the salty sea water, which in turn increases the levels of sodium in their system that can lead to salt toxicity.
Salt water poisoning carries similar symptoms to blue-green algae poisoning, as well as presenting dogs with excessive thirst, tremors, tongue swelling and loss of coordination. If you notice your dog displaying any of these signs, just like with BGA, it is vital they are seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. While it might be tempting to allow your dog to drink large amounts of clean water to counteract the salt this too can also lead to problems. In extreme cases your vet will likely put your dog on an intravenous drip with fluids and electrolyte supplements to slowly remove the sodium toxins.
To avoid any potential problems while enjoying your time at the beach ensure your dog takes regular breaks out of the water in a shaded area and is offered access to fresh, clean water. If throwing a ball or toy for your dog to play with or fetch, be mindful not to throw it too many times into the water to save accidental ingestion of salty waters.
Regardless of where your dog has been swimming or walking, it is always good practice to rinse your dog off with clean water after a walk, especially if they’ve been swimming or have mud on their paws and / or fur. Even dogs who weren’t in direct contact with water can still be affected by potential poisons if they are left and are subsequently allowed to lick any contaminants off their fur. The safest way to enjoy swimming for you and / or your dog is to seek out local hydrotherapy centres or activity centres where the water is regularly tested and treated.
