Dog owners and dog walkers in Brighton & Hove are being advised to keep a close eye on their dogs if they go on local beaches, as small amounts of suspected solidified palm oil have been washed up.
The palm oil deposits are white lumps that look a bit like candle wax and can smell rotten.
Dogs will often eat it if given the chance but this can make them very ill.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront and cleansing teams are working together to spot and dispose of the palm oil, and are putting up temporary signs alerting dog walkers to the possible danger.
Much larger amounts of suspected palm oil have washed up recently west of the city along Lancing and Shoreham beaches.
If you spot any suspected palm oil on the beach please contact the council’s seafront team on 01273 292716.
Find out more about our dog friendly beaches and palm oil.
Here’s some further information on our website for dog owners from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service:
“The main problems 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.
“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.
“We would suggest anyone with a dog that has eaten palm oil to contact their vet 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 is prevent exposure."