Last October the Environment Department warned dog owners to keep pets away from any white substance they may find on local beaches and with the same substance spotted once again along the South Coast of England the GSPCA are asking dog owners to take care over the Easter break.
The substance which is Palm Oil has been seen along the coast of Hampshire and Cornwall in the last week, 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.
Last year the Environment Department instructed States Works to remove any substance of this description which may be found on beaches.
The public is advised 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.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We have seen reports of the white oily substance being seen along the South Coast of England and we wanted to ensure that all dog owners are being vigilant.'
'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 Veterinary Poisons Information Service said 'We have received a number of emergency enquiries about dogs that have eaten it.'
'The main problems are vomiting and diarrhoea and these can lead to dehydration, particularly in young or small dogs.'
'We do not think it is the age of the oil that is causing this, as fresh oil would cause the same problems.'
'There is also a potential risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreatitis) which can result in vague, non-specific signs including vomiting and diarrhoea.'
'This is a risk in dogs that eat a large amount of any fatty or oily food substance.'
'There have been reports of blockages of the gut in dogs that have eaten palm oil washed up in Cornwall. '
We 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 intravenous fluid to treat or prevent dehydration.'
'The main thing owners can do it prevent exposure.'
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
Don't forget to keep your pets safe at home this Easter. For helpful hints please click here
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