DOG OWNERS have been urged to watch out for a highly dangerous toxin currently rife in UK lakes, streams and ponds.

The warning follows the death of a young dog who came into contact with the harmful toxin.

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The beauty spot is a popular location to go swimming in the summer Credit: Sean Kelly

Blue-green algae blooms can spread rapidly in hot weather Credit: Hasyim Hasyim

A puppy who had been swimming at Coniston Water, in the Lake District, last Saturday (June 27) died shortly after showing symptoms of algae poisoning.

According to its owners, the dog had begun vomiting and showing signs of lethargy after being in the lake, and was unable to be saved despite being taken to the vets.

The dog’s illness was the result of blue-green algae blooms, which produce “highly dangerous” toxins – capable of even making humans ill.

Although the Environment Agency (EA) said it had “received no reports of blue-green algae at Coniston in the past days”, the agency encouraged people to log suspected sightings.

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Blue-green algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes, streams and ponds, and appear as a suspended mass of greenish algae.

However, blooms have recently been exacerbated as a result of the hot weather, with an increase in reported sightings in bodies of water across the UK.

The EA has warned that Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets, and symptoms of algae poisoning can present as vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or breathing difficulties.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, you should consult a vet immediately.

When in contact with humans, the toxic organism can also cause skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.

The agency advised to “avoid contact with it and the water close to it” and pet owners “should keep their animals away from affected waters”.

They added: “Not all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you can’t tell just by looking at them, so it’s best to assume they are.”

If you spot a suspected algae bloom, it is also best to report it on the EA’s incident hotline.