Warning issued as common toxic substance could 'kill dog in minutes'

Be careful the next time you bring your dog out for a walk – a vet has warned that this common algae could kill them.

Most dogs will get thirsty after walking through the park or playing a ball game – especially in the recent hot weather. This means they may end up taking a quick drink from a puddle, river or pond. But, a vet warns that this seemingly innocent act could be deadly.

Dr Maryam Achoukhi, Veterinary Surgeon in partnership with the Pettifor Trust urges all dog owners to be vigilant about blue-green algae, as it can be found in British freshwaters.

READ MORE: Professional gardener names 'toxic' tree he'd never plant outside his home again

READ MORE: Stain expert's 30p natural hack for brighter white socks that pros swear by

The algae, which are technically a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, thrive in warm, calm and nutrient-rich environments like lakes, ponds and rivers. Part of what makes them particularly dangerous is that it's impossible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it.

Dr Maryam Achoukhi explains: “While the majority of species are harmless, a subset produces potent toxins that can cause rapid-onset neurotoxic or hepatotoxic effects.”

She cautions that if your dog ingests or even makes contact with this water, it can make them extremely ill. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours and include vomiting and diarrhoea, excessive drooling, muscle tremors and seizures and liver failure. In more severe cases, it can lead to death.

Dr Achoukhi advises owners to keep their dogs away from water that appears scummy, discoloured, foamy or stagnant to protect them. To avoid this potentially devastating algae, your best bet is to bring a water bottle for your dog on a walk – which could be the difference between life and death.

It's not the only issue that dog owners need to be on the look out for, either. A veterinary expert has recently cautioned owners over the prevalence of diarrhoea in their pets.

According to a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK, one in every 12 dogs in the UK is diagnosed with diarrhoea-related issues each year, while certain breeds are more likely to experience episodes of ‘the runs’ than others.

Sean McCormack, head vet atTails.com advised that while while diarrhoea is not normally considered an emergency in dogs (particularly if they are otherwise healthy), if the condition lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if it appears intermittently over time, it’s a good idea to contact your vet for guidance.

Potential causes of diarrhoea in dogs vary, and include genetic predispositions, stress, ingesting foreign objects and even switching to a different brand of dog food.