Urgent warning to dog owners of hidden hazard in Scottish lochs this summer
Dog owners are being urged to be cautious when walking their pooches by Scotland's beautiful lochs, thanks to the emergence of a hazard that is dangerous to pets.
While Scots enjoyed an intense heatwave over last weekend (July 11 - July 13), we've seen widespread downpours this week that brought an abrupt end to the sunny spell. But this erratic weather has caused an influx of a little-known hazard in Scottish lochs and ponds which can be dangerous for dogs and humans alike.
As such, pooch parents are being encouraged to stay on high alert when on walks or swims for poisonous blue-green algae, which thrives in these recent weather conditions. Blue-green algae is not actually an alga, but rather a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
If ingested, even in small amounts, it can release harmful toxins that can have serious effects on a pooch's liver and nervous system, which can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures.
With this in mind, Simon Crawshaw, dog nutritionist at Hilltop Pet Food is urging dog owners to keep an eye out for the signs of this toxic bacteria. The expert says knowing what to look out for is essential given the recent warm and wet weather.
Crawshaw said: "At this time of year, it's really common for certain bodies of water to become less safe, especially after a warm spell followed by rain.
"Most owners just want to do the right thing for their dogs, and being aware of what blue-green algae looks like, and what signs to watch for is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while still enjoying summer walks.'
Here's what the expert shared about spotting blue-green algae and keeping your pet safe from it.
How to spot blue-green algae in lochs this summer
Blue-green algae is not always easy to spot, warned the experts.
It can appear as a greenish scum or film on the water's surface, or cause the water to have a cloudy, murky appearance.
The toxic algae tends to build up around the edges of still or slow-moving water, especially in warm, nutrient-rich environments, which are the exact conditions much of Scotland is seeing right now.
The symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs
If your dog has ingested blue-green algae, symptoms can appear within minutes, and slower reactions can occur within hours.
Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning in dogs include:
vomiting
diarrhoea
excessive drooling
rapid panting
weakness
disorientation
difficulty breathing
seizures
How to keep your dog safe from blue-green algae
The experts have shared several tips to protect your dog from ingesting the poisonous algae this summer.
Avoid stagnant or suspicious-looking water: If the surface looks scummy, greenish, or unusual, don't let your dog drink from or swim in it
Stick to running water: Streams and rivers are generally safer than still ponds or lochs, particularly after rainfall
Rinse off after swims: If your dog has been in natural water, rinse their coat with clean water as soon as possible to reduce any risk
Watch for signs: If your dog shows any unusual behaviour after a walk or swim, especially vomiting, shaking, or acting confused, contact your vet immediately
Local councils and environmental agencies will also sometimes post blue-green algae warnings near affected areas, so keep an eye out for any alerts online.
'You don't need to stop enjoying the outdoors,' adds Simon. 'It's just about staying informed and making small decisions that keep your dog safe. A bit of extra caution goes a long way.'
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Investigation launched into SNP ministers over huge eye operation delays as thousands of Scots are forced to go private
An investigation has been launched into long waiting times for cataract surgery in light of MailOnline's revelations that thousands of hard-pressed Scots are having to go private. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are heaping pressure on SNP ministers after it was revealed 8,500 Scots were forced to raid their savings to pay for basic care last year – more than double those who went private in 2019. Nearly 19,000 people are stuck on NHS waiting lists for the eye op across Scotland – with one patient in NHS Grampian waiting for more than three years. Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has now filed more than 20 written questions to the Scottish Government to uncover the reasons behind such long delays. He said: 'I'm pleased to see MailOnline drawing attention to this important issue and piling the pressure on the Scottish Government. Patients having to go private or facing waits of up to three years to be able to see again is simply not on. 'Ministers need to ensure that cataract surgery waits come down and people can get the care they need swiftly. I want these patients to know that I am on their side. These questions are part of an effort to get to the bottom of what is holding back patients from getting the care they need.' Mr Cole-Hamilton has asked about staffing levels, the reasons for waiting times, and what contact Health Secretary Neil Gray has had with NHS boards over the delays. Earlier this month, the party revealed figures showing the true scale of cataract surgery waiting times with NHS Grampian admitted that one person had been on their treatment list for 1,253 days. Delays recorded at other health boards include 869 days in NHS Shetland, 824 days in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 680 days in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, 644 days in NHS Borders, 548 days in NHS Fife, 532 days in NHS Lanarkshire and 508 days in NHS Highland. In total 18,956 Scots are on a cataract surgery waiting list, with the longest list in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, where 3,207 people have been referred. NHS Fife is second, with 2,440 patients waiting for the surgery. MailOnline's own investigation found 8,500 Scots paid for cataract ops out of their own pocket in 2024, more than double the 4,075 people forced to go private for the surgery in 2019. Grandfather David Samson from Tayport in Fife has been waiting more than 19 months for a cataract operation on his right eye. The 87-year-old was first diagnosed in January 2024 and was originally told he would be treated within 18 weeks. That then became 18 months – and later almost two years. Mr Samson, a former kitchen designer and builder, hopes to finally be seen at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital in October. He said: 'It's not affecting my driving yet but I am anxious about it. My condition is slowly getting worse.' Mr Samson has a relative in England with the same condition who expects to be treated in 16 weeks. He added: 'I am 87. When I'm in my box I want to see where I'm going.' A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said it hopes to cut surgery waiting lists to 52 weeks by the end of the financial year. Mr Cole-Hamilton added: 'Our NHS is being held back by neglect and mismanagement from SNP ministers. 'The SNP has repeatedly demonstrated that the NHS will never be its priority.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'This year, we are investing a record £21.7 billion in health and social care including £106 million to help health boards tackle the longest waits and deliver over 300,000 additional appointments. 'The Scottish Government is clear that no one should face a lengthy wait for important surgery and procedures.'
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Glasgow care home fined after resident found dead in car park
77-year-old Hugh Kearnis was a resident at Chester Park home in Kinning Park, Glasgow, and left the building through a fire escape during the early hours of Boxing Day 2022. According to BBC reports, his body was discovered in the car park six hours later despite staff falsely claiming to have checked on him throughout the night. READ MORE: Man charged after death of Scottish mother more than 30 years ago Owners of the home, Oakminister Healthcare Limited, have now plead guilty to a breach of health and safety and were handed a fine of £53,750. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that, based on the nature of the guilty plea, the company was not found to have caused Mr Kearin's death. The admission of guilt related to a failure to ensure there was a system in place to confirm the internal fire alarm door was operational. It was stated in court that the company will pay the imposed fine over the next six months. Sheriff Joan Kerr said: "I wish to make it clear that the court recognises that the fine cannot compensate and no fine can be adequate "The court sends its sincere condolences for his loss." The court was told that Mr Kearins had dementia and was considered at risk of "absconding or wandering." A care plan had been implemented requiring staff to check on Mr Kearins every hour. Prosecutor Blair Speed said: "A senior care assistant and a care assistant who had responsibility for his care falsified care records. "They falsely stated that they performed tasks involving Mr Kearins at the time when he was no longer in the care home. "A close observation chart completed by the senior care assistant stated he had checked on Mr Kearins every hour between 2am and 8am. READ MORE: Greenpeace activists arrested as Forth Road Bridge protest ends "Both carers were unaware that he was not in his room until news of his death became known in the home following the discovery of his body in the car park." The carers were later dismissed from their positions and are currently under investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council. It remains unknown which staff member last accessed the internal fire door. Following the incident, the company introduced a new system requiring every exit and entry point to be checked at the end of each shift to ensure alarms are working. An additional alarm has also been installed at the top of the stairs outside Mr Kearins's former room to alert staff if someone enters the area.
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Scots warned over fake Glen's Vodka containing lethal chemical
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it had found 35cl counterfeit half bottles which have been fraudulently labelled as Glen's Vodka. The fake vodka was tested and found to contain the chemical isopropyl, which is not intended for human consumption. READ MORE: 'He belongs in The Hague': Keir Starmer fiercely criticised over Gaza speech If ingested, symptoms can range from abdominal pain, vomiting, and dizziness, to slow breathing, coma, and even death, the FSS has warned. The agency added that the fake spirit would have a strange smell and that it would taste different from genuine vodka. Customers have been asked to be extra vigilant when purchasing the spirit by the FSS. Scots are also being urged to check for a laser-etched lotcode, which is applied to genuine Glen's vodka between the rear label and the base of the bottle. (Image: Food Standards Scotland) Anyone who believes they may have consumed counterfeit alcohol and/or are showing any symptoms have been asked to immediately contact NHS 24 on 111. Anyone with information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol is asked to contact the Scottish Food Crime Hotline on 0800 028 7926 or online, in partnership with [[Crime]]stoppers.
