A DOG owner has warned of toxic algae at a popular Glasgow park after their pet was rushed to a vet.
In a post shared numerous times on social media, the owner explains that their dog was placed on a drip and requires blood tests after coming into contact with blue-green algae at Pollok Park.
The post read: "We took her straight to our vet and she’s been on an IV fluid drip since yesterday afternoon, three rounds of activation charcoal and will need blood tests next week to check her organs.
"Please, please, PLEASE just keep your pups out of the water, we’ve been extremely lucky and hopefully will continue to be with her blood tests etc."
Common in warmer summer months, blue-green algae is a type of bacteria which clumps together in the water.
It can produce harmful toxins which can damage a dog's liver, and is often fatal.
According to Blue Cross, some types of blue-green algae can kill a dog just 15 minutes to an hour after drinking contaminated water, and dogs can ingest the algae if it becomes stuck to their fur while playing in water.
Community group Friends of Pollok Park has also echoed the warning, with a post on their page reading: "Glasgow City Council have placed posters in the park advising about the presence of this toxic algae in the river and in the pond.
"The message states that dogs can become very sick and can even die within minutes after swimming in water affected by toxic algae.
"GCC advise: 'Please keep your dog out of the water.'"
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued a statement following reports of blue-green algae in Pollok Park on July 23.
A spokesperson said: “Blue-green algae can be common at this time of year and develops during the warmer months.
"Blooms can sometimes be attributed to excessive nutrient enrichment and can also occur as an entirely natural phenomenon in ponds and lochs with little impact from human activities.
“People should follow advice by the council: keep out of the water, keep children and pets away from the water and avoid any scum that can form at the water’s edge.
“More generally, people can report suspected blue-green algae to SEPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline, or report online at www.sepa.org.uk/report.
"Blue-green algae can also be reported via the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology ‘Bloomin Algae’ App.
"This provides a rapid and comprehensive picture of harmful algal blooms in their area and can help provide early warning to the public.”
