Warning as dogs poisoned by algae

Dogs have been poisoned by a highly toxic algae after swimming in pools in the Black Country, prompting vets to warn owners to stay vigilant.

Animals fell ill after coming into contact with blue-green algae, which develops on water in summer. A today warned owners after saving the life of a springer spaniel which went into an infected pool. Amanda Picken and Fay William's pet Mylo was weak on his feet and nauseous after swimming in the pool at Roughwood Nature Reserve, Willenhall.

At home in Tennyson Road, New Invention, his condition worsened so he was rushed to Lockwood Animal Hospita, Willenhall.

Vet Giuiseppe Marceno said: "He was very unwell when he first came in. He was very weak on his back legs and nauseous. He was given activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxins and then we kept him well hydrated.

"He has made a good recovery but he was lucky.

"I would warn dog owners to be very careful as to where they let their dog swim. Blue-green algae is very visible on the surface and dogs should not be swim in these conditions as it is highly toxic. Owners should get their dogs straight to the vets if they believe their dog has symptoms."

Amanda, 38, said: "I was just so distressed. I hadn't heard about the blue-green algae so was surprised when I was told it caused Mylo to be so unwell. I would just like to warn other owners of the danger of letting dogs swim in water contaminated by blue-green algae."

Blue green algae develop in still waters and usually grows in summer months when there is more sunlight.

The algae can bloom, creating a very powerful toxin that causes the water to turn either blue, pea soup green, red, brown, or worse, develop a typical surface scum with often has an unpleasant musty odor.

Dogs may develop nausea, bloody diarrhea, pale gums, skin or eye irritations, convulsions and, in severe cases, even death within minutes.

When the nervous system is involved, dogs will develop muscle tremors, labored breathing and difficulty moving.

By Andy Richardson