Water safety
Blue-green algae kills dogs within hours and there is no antidote. It blooms in still fresh water in warm weather and a dog does not have to drink it — licking its coat afterwards is enough.
If it looks wrong, nothing goes in
Paint, scum, pea soup. That is the whole rule, and it is worth more than any testing.
Cold water shock
A dog that swims all summer can be in trouble in seconds in winter water. Never throw a ball where you would not go yourself.
If a dog has been in
Rinse thoroughly with clean water before it can lick itself, and ring the vet straight away. Do not wait for symptoms.
1
List the water on your patchPonds, rivers, the sea, tidal mud.
2
Mark anything that looked offAnd keep dogs out until you have checked.
3
Check before every swim in summerA bloom appears in days.
FAQ
Where do I report a bloom?
Your local council or the Environment Agency, depending on the water. Note who to ring against each spot while you are there.