Warning as dog on beach eats palm oil
DOG walkers are warned to be vigilant after fresh blocks of deadly palm oil washed up onto Ainsdale beach.
Although harmless to humans, the yellow, waxy substance can be fatal if ingested by dogs. Large amounts of the substance have washed up on Sefton’s shores over the last few years from a 20-year-old shipwreck.
The council’s Green Sefton underwent significant efforts to warn beach users of the danger and remove large quantities and the issue has significantly reduced.
However, Ainsdale residents
Neil and Martha Prior have warned others to be careful after their Bedlington terrier, Herbert, picked up a small amount on the beach on November 4.
The three-year-old dog was taken to the vets within half an hour where he received treatment via induced vomiting.
Last year, the married couple faced a £600 bill for emergency treatment when Herbert and their other dog Bruce ate palm oil on the same beach.
That time, Neil initially thought they were eating a fish due to its white colour but decided to take no risks after hearing other reports of the problem.
Neil said that the vets confirmed they had not seen any similar cases for some time and wants to warn others to be extra vigilant.
He said: “Although I noticed it was only a small amount that Herbert had consumed this time around, I wasn’t going to take any risks.
“Particularly as from experience I was 100% sure that it was palm oil as the remnants left were white, greasy, soap-like pieces that smelt of fish - exactly the same as what he and Bruce had consumed in October 2019.
Herbert is now back home having received the treatment and prescribed charcoal and antibiotics.
A spokesman for the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership said: “Palm oil debris is harmless to humans, but it can be fatal to dogs if eaten.
“Unfortunately dogs are attracted to the smell of the stuff, so pet owners are advised to remain vigilant if walking your dog on the coast, especially around tidelines.
“Pet owners should keep their dogs under close control on the beach, especially along the tideline, although the material can appear elsewhere on the beach after a high tide.”