Vet Warns of Dangers of Allowing Dogs to Swim in Lakes

Fri, 03 Jul 2009

Vets have warned dog owners not to let their pets swim in lakes in the hot weather. With the UK enjoying a heatwave, a poisonous algae has been found to have flourished in the recent heat. The deadly algae, called Cyanobacteria, can have fatal effects on a dog within a few hours. The warning follows an incident in which a border collie collapsed after swimming in a National Trust Lake.

The animals owner, Annie Fabbri from Lodsworth, West Sussex, noticed that her pet had began salivating and panting as she emerged from the water. The 47 year old presumed her dog had become tired out in the heat, though as the five year old dogs condition worsened, she hurriedly took her to see a vet .

The vet, Charles Williams from Springfield Veterinary Surgery in Midhurst, discovered the dog had been poisoned by the deadly algae, and was fortunately able to save her life as she was seen within the four to five hour window before the algae becomes fatal.

Mr Williams has warned dog owners to be careful when letting their dogs swim in lakes, and to avoid any stagnant ponds, especially those with a turgid or green appearance.

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