Owners of dogs all around the UK have been warned about palm oil globules, which have begun washing up on certain beaches across Great Britain.
The substance - which is unlikely to harm humans - can be toxic and circumstantially fatal to dogs when consumed, with pets often sniffing and licking foreign objects while enjoying a walk.
Experts at Kennel Store stated: “When walking on beaches, keep an eye out to ensure your dog isn’t consuming palm oil accidentally. Palm oil is often found in a semi-solid state, meaning it can pose a risk to dogs and can cause blockages in the digestive system."
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The Star reports that the group recommends that if you see palm oil on the beach to contact the coastguard to make a report, which will then be investigated by the local and relevant authorities. Palm oil is semi-solid and appears in white lumps and is waxy in appearance.
It has a distinctive smell; similar to diesel, with symptoms for dogs including diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydrating, intestinal blockage and lethargy. Experts at Kennel Store said that a dog's ingestion of palm oil, which is used in may common food products, should be referred to a vet as soon as possible.
They added: “In some instances, when consumed in large quantities, dogs have suffered from kidney damage and liver failure, so medical intervention is vital.
“Even if your dog has consumed a small amount, monitor your dog closely and if they show signs of becoming unwell, contact a vet as soon as possible.”
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