Dog owners warned of palm oil along coast

A lump of what is thought to be palm oil was found on the island's east coast

A Guernsey animal welfare charity has warned dog owners about the dangers of palm oil, after what is thought to be a lump of the substance was found on a beach.

The GSPCA said the suspected palm oil, which was found on the island's east coast at Pembroke, was extremely poisonous to dogs if ingested.

It advised people that if they saw any grey, cream or white fatty substances, to not remove them, but report them to Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said: "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."

'Be vigilant'

Mr Byrne said: "Sadly each winter we have reports of a white oily substance being seen around our coast and currently we have had reports on the east coast and we are asking all dog owners to be vigilant.

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

"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 we can do as dog owners is to prevent exposure."