Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets out of Leybourne Lakes due to a deadly blue green algae.

The toxic bloom was discovered by walkers and since then water tests carried out by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council confirmed their fears.

Signs have now been added to the lakes warning other dog owners of the risks.

Vicki-Jane Gabriel walks her two dogs Romeo, who loves the water, and Ralph around the area on a daily basis and last Monday was no different.

The next morning, she found her 10-month-old springer-cocker cross, who had excitedly jumped in one of the lakes, had become gravely ill. She rushed him to Companion Care vets in Aylesford.

Ms Gabriel, who lives in Snodland, said: “He was sick and had a very bad upset tummy with blood and mucus and he was dehydrated. Very unusually quiet and more worryingly, he was unsteady on his back legs.”

The vet could not confirm whether it was the algae or a parasite that had caused the illness but the 40-year-old was keen to warn others in case their beloved pets are poisoned.

Sandhole Vets has also posted a warning on its Facebook page after treating a dog which they think may have been poisoned by the algae.

If a dog has entered the water you should wash them with water before drying them off.

In May, three dogs died after entering Brooklands Lakes in Dartford because of the poison.

Darren Lanes, head of leisure for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “All waterbodies can contain naturally occurring blue green algae, which is not harmful in its dormant state.

“In some climatic conditions this algae can form a ‘bloom’ on the surface of the water. This bloom is not uncommon but can be extremely harmful to dogs and can cause sickness in people if digested.

“When ‘blooms’ are visible, the council puts clear signs on site so that the public is warned and restricts access to the affected water areas, in accordance with guidance issued by the Environment Agency. Our rangers are well placed to advise people to be cautious.

“Recent water tests have confirmed that blue green algae is present in the lake at Leybourne Lakes Country Park. Until the ‘bloom’ has naturally dispersed and there is no longer a potential risk, signs will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the affected areas.”