Toxic algae warning as two dogs die just 30 minutes after swimming in lake:

A HEARTBROKEN dog owner has told how she lost her pets within minutes of each other after they swam in a lake unknowingly containing a suspected toxic algae.

Dani Robertson-Phillips, from Anglesey, wants to warn others about blue-green algae poisoning following the deaths of her beloved dogs Bucky, four, and Luna, three (pictured).

The 30-year-old held the pair in her arms as they died earlier this week in Rhosneigr after a swim in Llyn Maelog.

Rescue dogs Bucky and Luna were rehomed by Dani and partner Ryan Phillips in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and have been “the best companions you could ask for” since.

The dogs died on Thursday of suspected poisoning from blue-green algae – a term used to describe a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria.

The bacteria cannot be seen unless they clump together, which often looks like green flakes or brown dots in a body of water.

Blue-green algae can product harmful toxins that limit the function of a dog’s liver and can often prove fatal if drunk or swam in.

Dani said that other dog owners need to be warned about it.

She revealed that the first warning sign she noticed was the eye lid closing across the eye, shortly followed by drooling and panting.

The devastated dog owner added that the dogs then suffered seizures and Luna tragically passed away in her arms within 30 minutes of being in the water followed shortly after by Bucky.

She explained that Bucky and Luna were both small animals which could potentially be “why the toxin acted so fast.”

Dani explained that she knew about green blue algae but “didn’t know the spore can be invisible before it blooms” – with the organism still highly toxic even at that stage.

She added that “there was no sign of it on the lake,” noting that Bucky and Luna have been in it every day for the past two years.

The 30-year-old suggested that the recent prolonged dry weather has meant that lakes and other bodies of water haven’t been flushed out by rain – leading to a build-up of algae.

Dani announced the news on her Facebook page, receiving almost 1,000 responses.

In the post, she explained: “We are absolutely heartbroken to have to tell you all that we lost our two greatest comrades today, Bucky and Luna.

“They died this afternoon after suspected blue algae poisoning, in Llyn Maelog, Rhosneigr.”

She described the pair as “the best companions you could ask for,” adding that they were the couple’s “family and best friends.”

The tribute continued: “Our life is truly worse off without them.

“You may think they’re just dogs but they taught us so much about how to live and enjoy life.

“They saw us through depression and hardships.

Were listening ears when we needed them and a comforting force like no other.”

Dani said herself and Ryan are “totally bereft” but have some comfort in knowing “how much joy they had in their life” - adding that the couple “gave them the best lives” they could.

It’s not the first time dogs have died in North Wales due to suspected blue-green algae, with similar concerns raised on Anglesey in 2011.

Anglesey County Council has been approached for comment.