'Our puppy died at the Lake District - we're warning all dog owners to look out for one thing'

A 10-month-old border collie has died after swallowing toxic blue-green algae during a paddleboarding trip to Coniston Water in the Lake District on Saturday June 27.

Ozzy, owned by Lucy Hull, 31, and her partner Andrew, 31, fell ill just hours after playing in the lake. The energetic puppy loved chasing waves and snapping at the water during their regular visit. Initially, the couple assumed he had simply swallowed too much water, as he often vomited after hydrotherapy sessions.

However, their concerns grew when Ozzy was sick twice during the drive home and became increasingly lethargic. Lucy said: "It got to the point where we lifted his head up and he was dribbling - his gums looked paler than usual. I said his name and he didn't even look at me. Then he fell off the back seat and he wasn't moving."

Emergency vets ruled out water intoxication through ultrasound but diagnosed blue-green algae poisoning instead. Despite placing Ozzy on oxygen, a drip, and a breathing machine, the vets could not save him. Lucy recalled: "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."

Devastated but determined, Lucy and Andrew returned to Coniston the following day to warn other visitors. Lucy 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."

The Coniston Mountain Rescue Team has confirmed blue-green algae is present at the water. The Environment Agency warns that people and animals should avoid any water with visible scum or discolouration, as some blooms produce potent toxins that can cause severe illness and death. The British Veterinary Association describes blue-green algae as highly poisonous and potentially fatal to dogs even in small amounts.

Lucy noted only one warning sign about blue-green algae at Coniston and is now considering raising money to print additional warning posters.