An urgent warning has been issued to pet owners after a mystery beach bug has killed one dog and left another eight unwell.
Many pooches have been taken ill after being walked on the Welsh island of Anglesey, where the popular beach of Aberffraw is suspected to be at the epicentre.
All known incidents are believed to be linked to contact with still water near beaches, however, pet owners have said the outbreak is worrying due to the cause of the ailment still being unknown.
Natural Resources Wales - the Environment Agency in Wales - has urged dog owners to take precautions.
A spokesperson said: "We are aware of a number of dogs falling ill on beaches on Anglesey and we have been liaising with local groups and individuals.
"We do not believe this is linked to any algal blooms in the area and we will continue to monitor the situation.
"However, we would advise owners to keep pets away from any stagnant water and any obvious algal growth or accumulation as a precaution."
A dog owner from the area, who has been liaising with Natural Resources Wales has been contacted by others whose pets have been unwell.
Symptoms can be severe in most cases, as one dog owner described on social media. She warned: "Nothing obvious has been reported, such as palm oil or eating dead fish.
"However the one factor that’s common to the cases is dogs visiting still water as well as the sea. I am aware of eight dogs that have fallen ill.
"In some cases it has been serious, affecting the liver and kidneys and requiring veterinary treatment."
She said that she bought a plastic sandpit for her pooch and filled it with fresh water. She added: "It means the house is always muddy but he adores his paddling pool and I know he is safe."
The latest news comes after a brave mum who "stamped" on a dog attacking her young son and his friend in south Wales. The terrified mum has said she dreads to think what could have happened if she hadn't been there.
Police was called to a property in Graig-y-Rhacca, Caerphilly, earlier this week after a dog lunged at the two children and left one of them with injuries that required stitches and medical care.
Chelsey Colwill, the mother of Rory, aged seven, said her son's friend Connor, aged five, was in "horrendous pain" after the incident, whilst her own son had suffered nightmares.
The dog involved in the attack has been put down, reports WalesOnline.
