Authorities and animal welfare organisations have issued warnings to dog owners about the dangers posed by open bodies of water amid a rise in dog-related water incidents across the UK. The warnings come as incidents involving dogs in lakes, rivers, canals, and the sea reached a five-year high in 2025.

Dogs Trust, a leading dog welfare charity, has initiated a safety campaign urging pet owners to exercise caution with the slogan “If in doubt, keep your dog out.” The charity highlighted that while swimming can provide valuable exercise and enrichment for dogs, not all dogs are natural swimmers, and risks such as strong currents, fatigue, and underwater hazards present serious dangers.

Data obtained by Dogs Trust from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) show that between 2021 and 2025, 308 dog-related incidents were reported in UK open waters, with roughly one-third occurring during the summer months from June to September. Additional figures from the National Water Safety Forum indicate that 10 accidental deaths linked to animal rescue have occurred in England from 2019 to 2025, alongside 12 deaths linked to dog walking during the same period.

Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, emphasised that many water-based dangers are not immediately visible, including steep banks that can trap dogs and submerged debris such as trolleys, broken glass, and branches, all of which pose hazards. She cautioned owners against attempting to rescue their dogs by entering the water themselves, noting that this can escalate an emergency. Instead, she advised owners to call their dogs to a safe exit point or contact emergency services for assistance if needed.

One location illustrating both the appeal and risks of these waters is Earlswood Lakes near Solihull in the West Midlands. Though popular with dog owners, a warning sign at the site alerts visitors to the presence of blue-green algae—cyanobacteria that flourish in warm weather and can release harmful toxins. The Environment Agency advises that all such blooms should be considered potentially toxic even when they appear harmless.

Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, highlighted that dogs can exhibit symptoms from exposure to contaminated water within 15 minutes, ranging from illness to potentially fatal outcomes, sometimes simply from licking their fur after swimming.

Despite these warnings, a recent Dogs Trust survey of 2,000 dog owners found significant gaps in awareness: 33% did not perceive blue-green algae as a serious threat to dogs, while 19% underestimated the risks posed by seemingly calm water. Furthermore, 80% of respondents said they would enter the water to rescue their dog, despite personal safety risks.

Local dog owners voiced concerns about limited signage and adherence to safety guidelines. Sally, who owns a border collie named Billy, noted that while she keeps her dog on a lead due to algae concerns, many others allow their dogs off-lead around the lakes, heightening potential dangers.

Dogs Trust emphasised that the campaign aims not to restrict owners from enjoying open water recreationally with their pets but to promote informed caution to reduce injuries and fatalities. The advice encourages pet owners to stop, assess, and think carefully about water safety before allowing dogs to enter natural aquatic environments.