Small Talk - Autumn 2018

small talk LATEST NEWS MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL BISCUITS PAWS POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL BISCUITS PAWS POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL BISCUITS PAWS POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL BISCUITS PAWS POODLE MOUSE CHEW WORMING CAGE KENNEL POODLE MOUSE CAGE S K E N N E L C G C C T H M L B H X N L E D I D O E V I I U P S O U W U Z E M S Y O D O C Z S V R L P S R T X S C E O P L W Q X C R I Y W A E G C W X P B N W J V R B C I R V N S B P X B G Z J D V X Blue-green algae and its dangers to dogs Blue-green algae is a term used to describe a group of bacteria, called cyanobacteria. They are not actually algae, but the organisms got this name because they often give the appearance of algae when they clump together in bodies of water. Blue-green algae may not always be harmful but you can’t tell simply by looking, so it's best not to let your dog near the water. When the algae blooms, it looks like a blue-green scum has appeared on the surface of the water. It sometimes looks a bit like pea soup. Blooms of blue- green algae can produce harmful toxins which stop a dog’s liver from functioning properly. Sadly, exposure to toxic blue-green algae is often fatal, and can also cause long term health problems in dogs that survive after drinking or swimming in algae- contaminated water. If your dog shows any of the following signs after drinking from, or swimming or paddling in water, contact your vet immediately and tell them you are concerned about blue-green algae: vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures/fitting, weakness/ collapse/unconsciousness, disorientation/confusion, drooling, breathing difficulties. There is no antidote for the toxins produced by the bacteria, but if caught early enough, your vet will likely try to make your dog sick and attempt to flush the toxins from the body before they take hold. These symptoms are commonly seen with other illnesses too, which are often less serious, but you should always call your vet if you are worried your pet is sick. To be safe, keep your dog away from lakes and ponds that you know, or suspect, may contain blue-green algae. Don’t let dogs drink from water that may have blue-green algae in and take note of signs warning of the algae during dog walks and follow the information given.