Dogs Trust points to hundreds of incidents over recent years, some involving deaths of pets or people<\/p>\n
With its gentle rippling water, tall purple flowers and rustling trees, Earlswood Lakes near Solihull in the West Midlands seems the perfect spot for dogs to paddle. But their owners have been warned that the otherwise idyllic open water could prove perilous to pets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had all this hot weather and millions of families are now spending time around open bodies of water, and it\u2019s easy to not realise the dangers,\u201d said Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth during a walk around Earlswood.<\/p>\n
\u201cDogs love water and it\u2019s great exercise and enrichment for them. However, not all dogs are natural swimmers,\u201d she added. \u201cEven strong swimmers can get into difficulties in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n
Accompanying Thomas is Bruno the dalmatian who is clearly eager to go for a dip. But he\u2019s been kept on a short lead. Dogs Trust has launched a new campaign with the catchline \u201cIf in doubt, keep your dog out\u201d, in an attempt to reduce the injuries and fatalities that can occur among dogs and their owners around lakes, canals, rivers and the sea.<\/p>\n
Data from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute obtained by Dogs Trust shows that 308 dog-related incidents in open water in the UK were recorded between 2021 and 2025, almost all taking place on the coast. About a third occurred between June and September of those years.<\/p>\n
Separate figures from the National Water Safety Forum show there were 10 accidental deaths due to drowning in England between 2019 and 2025 linked to animal rescue, and 12 linked to dog walking.<\/p>\n
Data from the Canal & River Trust shows that dog-related incidents in the UK reached a five-year high in 2025, increasing by 39% compared with the previous year.<\/p>\n
Dogs Trust notes that many cases were related to dogs \u2013 or people attempting to rescue them \u2013 needing help after entering the water. Strong currents and fatigue can pose a risk, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re thinking about open bodies of water, it\u2019s always stop, check and think about what could be the dangers,\u201d said Thomas, noting many are not clearly visible on first sight. \u201cSteep banks could be an issue if a dog gets in and then swims around, [and] can\u2019t find a way out again,\u201d she said. \u201cHidden debris under the water \u2013 trolleys, broken glass, lots of weeds or branches. Blue-green algae is a danger to dogs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas also cautioned against attempting a rescue should a dog get into trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your dog\u2019s in difficulty, it could then be two emergencies, not just one,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you can see a safe place where your dog can exit the water, call your dog there with their recall. If you can\u2019t do that, call emergency services and they will come and assist with dog emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even on a picturesque summer\u2019s day Earlswood is far from hazard-free, with a small yellow sign alerting walkers to dangers of blue-green algae. Such cyanobacteria thrive in warmer weather, forming blooms and scums \u2013 and some release toxins.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot all blue-green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you can\u2019t tell just by looking at them, so it\u2019s best to assume they are,\u201d the Environment Agency notes.<\/p>\n
Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, said: \u201cDogs can become unwell from drinking contaminated water or simply cleaning it from their fur after swimming. Symptoms can be seen as little as 15 minutes after exposure and may progress rapidly to become fatal.\u201d<\/p>\n