Dog owners in Dartford have been warned to keep their dogs out of the water in Brooklands Lake after a poisonous algae has reportedly cropped back up.

The lakes, which are a popular dog walking spot, are said to contain a small amount of blue green algae, which is dangerous for animals, as well as humans.

In 2016, News Shopper reported that three dogs had died from swimming in Brooklands Lake after being exposed to the same algae. After the deaths were reported, police closed off the area and warned dog owners to avoid it.

News Shopper:

(Image: Blue Cross)

According to Blue Cross, the algae, which is technically a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria, is usually fatal if a dog is exposed to it. Very often, a dog will get the algae on its fur after swimming in infested water, and will then ingest the bacteria when it cleans itself.

Dogs that survive swimming in algae-infested water can also be left with long-term health effects.

The bacteria contains harmful toxins that can attack a dog's liver function.

The algae is often found clumped together on the surface of water - this is the only way it can be seen by the naked eye.

News Shopper:

(Image: Blue Cross)

It can often look like a scum has taken over a body of water, which Blue Cross describes as looking like 'pea soup'.

Dog owners are advised to contact a vet immediately if their dog shows any signs of the following symptoms:

Vomiting/being sick

Diarrhoea

Seizures/fitting

Weakness/collapse/unconsciousness

Disorientation/confusion

Drooling

Breathing difficulties

Although there is no antidote for the toxins, a vet can induce sickness in a dog if an owner suspects it has ingested the algae.

To prevent exposure, dog owners are advised to keep their dogs away from lakes and ponds that may contain the algae. They should not swim in, or drink from, any water that might be infested.