Dog owners warned of algae bloom dangers
Getty ImagesDog owners are being warned about the dangers of algae poisoning following reports of a young pet's death.
The dog had been at Coniston Water, in the Lake District, on Saturday and shortly after began vomiting and showing signs of lethargy, its owners said on social media. He died despite being taken to a vet, they added.
Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) said blue-green algae blooms "can be present in lakes, streams and tarns, as well as reservoirs and ponds", with some producing "highly dangerous" toxins that also make humans ill.
The Environment Agency (EA) said it had "received no reports of blue-green algae at Coniston in the past days" but encouraged people to log suspected sightings.
Blooms occur naturally but are more frequent during warm, dry weather and are exacerbated by nutrients from phosphate in pollutants such as sewage.
CMRT said the microscopic organisms can look like blue-green paint, scum or greenish-brown discolouration.
It is advising anyone planning to swim, boat or walk their dog near water to check for warning signs nearby.
Anyone whose dog has been swimming or drinking from an algae-affected area and begins suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or breathing difficulties should consult a vet immediately, it added.
The Lake District National Park Authority echoed that guidance, warning it was "impossible to tell if algae is the dangerous kind just by looking at it, so it's best to not enter the water if you suspect there is [a bloom]".
It recommended people to report possible sightings on the Bloomin' Algae app.
Alternatively, the EA said its Spot, Snap and Report webpage can also be used.