Dog owners are being warned of the dangers surrounding a disease that could see people’s beloved pets suffer seizures, difficulty breathing and extreme vomiting.

According to dog experts Kennel Store, the risk of blue-green algae is putting dog owners in extreme circumstances, as a dog in Glasgow was rushed to the vet over the weekend after the dog encountered the dangerous substance.

Despite the isolated incident, the pet experts have highlighted other scenarios that have seen dogs become extremely ill and, in some cases, have to be put down.

Read more: Head-on crash on County Durham road after man rowed with partner coming home from camping trip 

They have now advised dog owners on how to keep dogs out of harm's way and highlight the possible dangers of blue-green algae.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae is a term that describes a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria.

Whilst algae is in the name, it isn’t actually algae but a collective term for the bacteria as it looks like algae when it is clumped together in waters.

It can be hard to see blue-green algae unless it has collected, and it can pose a risk to dogs.

When you do see large patches of blue-green algae, it’s common to see green flakes, brown dots and greenish bundles.

The Northern Echo: Blue-Green Algae. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOBlue-Green Algae. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

It can often resemble foam and can be found at the edge of lakes or ponds.

It’s typically found where water doesn’t flow and isn’t fresh, where rainfall is much less frequent, which allows the bacteria to build up.

There could be dead fish in ponds and lakes that have a high concentration of toxic bacteria.

Do not let your dog drink from water containing deceased animals.

What are the risks and why is it dangerous?

Patches of blue-green algae contain extremely harmful toxins which can stop a dogs liver from functioning correctly.

Although not every type of blue-green algae is dangerous, it’s important to be cautious when walking near bodies of water to prevent your dog from becoming unwell.

Exposure to blue-green algae is often fatal, and for dogs that do survive, they can be left with long-lasting health problems.

Read more: German Shepherd dog dies after attack in Chester-le-Street park

Some types of blue-green algae can have fatal effects and can kill a dog in as little as 15 minutes to an hour after drinking contaminated waters.

Signs and symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning

If your dog has been swimming or paddling in water and they start to show any of the following signs, contact your vet immediately and tell them you are concerned about blue-green algae poisoning:

•            Seizures/fitting

•            Vomiting

•            Diarrhea

•            Difficulty breathing

•            Weakness

•            Collapsing

•            Unconsciousness

•            Confused or disoriented

•            Dribbling

If caught early enough, your vet will attempt to make your dog vomit to try flush the toxins out of the body. There is no antidote, but if medical intervention occurs early this gives your dog the best chance at survival.

To get more stories from Darlington direct to your email basket go here

Sadly, blue-green algae poisoning often eventually causes fatal liver failure, so it is important owners are vigilant.

How you can protect your dog

•            Keep your dog away from bodies of water that you suspect to contain blue-green algae.

•            Do not allow your dog to swim or paddle in waters that contain blue-green algae

•            Don’t let your dog drink water that could contain blue-green algae. Wind often blows blue-green algae to the edges of ponds and lakes and higher concentrations of toxins can reside here, where your dog is more likely to drink.

•            Note warning signs and hazard notices during dog walks and follow the advice provided.

Read next:

Have you spotted any blue green algae in your area? If so, comment or email patrick.goulsbrough@newsquest.co.uk

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here 

To get more stories from Darlington direct to your email basket go here