30/06/2026
Watch your dogs in the lake…….
Following the incredibly sad loss of a dog named Ozzy who died from algae poisoning, after being in Coniston Water where Blue/Green algae is currently present, we wanted to raise awareness of the dangers this bloom can cause. Our thoughts are with Ozzy’s owners, we are so sorry for your loss.
“During the Summer months pet owners need to be aware of the possibility of the highly dangerous Blue/Green Algae in inland water sources.
These algae can be present in lakes, streams and tarns, as well as reservoirs and ponds. It can produce toxins that are highly dangerous to humans and pets. It can be fatal in dogs. Blooms—which can look like blue-green paint, scums, or greenish-brown discolouration—thrive in long, hot spells of weather.
If you are planning to swim, boat, or walk your dog near UK waterways:
• Check for warning signs near the shoreline or access points.
• View local, confirmed sightings in your area using the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology - UKCEH Bloomin' Algae Platform.
• If you spot a suspected bloom, you can report it via the Bloomin' Algae app or by contacting the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60
If your dog has been swimming or drinking from such water courses and suddenly suffers from vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, breathing difficulty or collapse, please consult a vet immediately. However, depending on the toxin, symptoms might not show themselves straight away, so if you think your dog may have ingested water containing the algae, the sooner you contact a vet the better.”