A 10-month-old border collie died just hours after a visit to Coniston Water in the Lake District, with vets suspecting blue-green algae poisoning. Owner Lucy Hull, 31, and her partner Andrew, 31, had taken the puppy paddleboarding on June 27, a lake they visited regularly.
Ozzy, described as energetic and friendly, loved chasing waves and snapping at the water during the hour-long outing. After returning home, he began vomiting and became increasingly lethargic. Hull initially thought he had swallowed too much water, but his condition worsened rapidly.
Rapid Deterioration and Emergency Treatment
During the drive home, Ozzy was sick twice and grew lethargic. Hull said, 'We thought he'd just worn himself out. It got to the point where we lifted his head up and he was dribbling – his gums looked paler than usual.' When she called his name, he did not respond and fell off the back seat, becoming floppy and unresponsive.
Emergency vets ruled out water intoxication after an ultrasound found no water in his stomach. They diagnosed suspected blue-green algae poisoning. The algae forms blooms in warm, still conditions, appearing as green or blue-green scum on water surfaces.
Confirmation of Blue-Green Algae at Coniston Water
Coniston Mountain Rescue Team confirmed the presence of blue-green algae at Coniston Water. The Environment Agency warns that people and animals should avoid water with visible scum or discolouration, as some blooms produce potent toxins causing severe illness and death. The British Veterinary Association and pet charities describe blue-green algae as highly poisonous, even in small amounts.
Vets placed Ozzy on oxygen, a drip, and a breathing machine. Hull said, 'He just stopped breathing completely, but he did still have a heartbeat. But his brain hadn't had oxygen for so long that if he came round, he would be brain dead. The vets told us they had tried everything.'
Owner's Warning and Call for Better Signage
Despite their grief, Hull and her partner returned to Coniston the next day to warn other visitors. Hull said, 'We didn't want to get out of bed – but we had to let people know. There were other dogs in the water. We spoke to every person warning them about it.'
Hull noted only one warning sign about blue-green algae at Coniston, which she believes was too easy to miss. She is considering raising money to print additional warning posters. 'We feel like we let Ozzy down. But a huge amount of people have told me they'd never heard of blue-green algae poisoning,' she said.
Veterinary Advice for Dog Owners
Vets advise seeking emergency treatment immediately if a dog has been in suspect water and develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, breathing difficulties, weakness, or collapse. Because different toxins act at different speeds, signs may appear rapidly or be delayed, so owners should contact a vet as soon as they suspect exposure.
