ADVICE FOR DOG OWNERS - With only a week until beach restrictions for dogs on beaches please take care due to palm oil sighted

In recent years each winter dog owners are warned to keep pets away from any oily white substances they may find on local beaches. This month the same substance has been spotted once again on Channel Island beaches and the GSPCA are asking dog owners to take care when along the coast.

The substance which is Palm Oil has been recently seen in Jersey, and with Guernsey beach restrictions not beginning until the start of next month, many dog owners will want to take advantage of the nice weather and bank holiday weekend, but need to take care.

In previous years the Environment Department has instructed States Works to remove any substance of this description which may be found on beaches.

Previous public advice has been not to remove the palm oil but anyone who has picked any up should double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it with their normal refuse and to report it to the Environment Department.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "There will be many dog owners wanting to take advantage of the nice weather and the last few days before the beach restrictions come into place, but at the GSPCA we are asking everyone to take care when out with your dogs."

"Palm oil which is a white oily looking substance if ingested can kill a dog so please keep a very close eye on them when along the coast."

"The main problems if ingested are vomiting and diarrhoea and these can lead to dehydration, particularly in young or small dogs."

"There is also a potential risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreatitis) which can result in vague, non-specific signs including vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if large amounts have been eaten."

"The GSPCA would suggest anyone with a dog that has eaten palm oil contact their vet immediately for advice, particularly if the dog is already unwell."

"There is no specific treatment but the dog may need medication to control vomiting and fluids and the GSPCA advise contacting your vet with any concerns straight away."

"The main thing owners can do it prevent exposure and to please take care when along the coast."

Contact details for the Environment Department and States Works are Environment Services Unit, Tel: 717200 during office hours or [email protected]

For contact details of all the vets in Guernsey please see the bottom of this web page.

If you would like to attend a Dog or Cat First Aid with the GSPCA then we have more set for next month and for details please click here.

To see details of the beach restrictions please click here

To donate to the many animals in our care please visit

The GSPCA are very proud to announce that we have been awarded the Guernsey Community Foundation Charity of the Year.

There are so many amazing organisations, groups and individuals and to recognise these there are a number of upcoming awards. Could you nominate the GSPCA, one of our team or another worthy individual or cause? Please visit the links below

Nominating a group for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, please visit - https://qavs.direct.gov.uk

Could you write us a review on the Best of Guernsey who run awards each year, if you could please visit - https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/guernsey/business-guide/feature/gspca

To donate via giving.gg to help animals at the GSPCA please click here

To see all of our events, links and fund raisers please click here

If you would like to fund raise or help the GSPCA please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or email [email protected]

To complete our local Guernsey microchip survey -

Create your own user feedback survey

To see all of our events, links and fund raisers please click here

To find out about our Build Partner programme please click here

To find out how to volunteer for the GSPCA please click here

To find out about guided tours at the GSPCA please click here

Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.

To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.

There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.

By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD

Or by phone 01481 257261.

To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.

Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?

Here is the latest from the GSPCA Twitter feed -

Tweets by @GSPCA

To see a page full of items on our GSPCA Wish List please click here.

To donate online to help the GSPCA please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-A