A vet has issued an urgent warning to owners after having to put a dog who had been poisoned on a walk.
Swanzdale Veterinary Care Centre, in Scarborough, urged coastal walkers to make sure their dogs aren't drinking from unknown sources or being let off the lead in the area.
The dog had consumed antifreeze, which is incredibly dangerous and toxic to canines - even if only a small amount is licked.
It can damage their kidneys and cause death, with the most toxic kind containing ethylene glycol.
Dogs will often come across antifreeze around cars, and some types smell and taste sweet so may be irresistible to animals.
If you think your dog has licked, drank or been in contact with antifreeze, contact your vet immediately.
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A Facebook post shared by Swanzdale vets read: "We have very sadly just put a dog to sleep with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning.
"It has been walked in the area around the Hayburn Wyke pub - on the railway line and down towards the beach.
"Please be incredibly careful walking your dogs in this area at this time; don't let them off the lead or drink from any unknown sources."
More than a thousand local people shared the post to warn nearby dog owners of the heartbreaking danger.
The dog was walking in the Hayburn Wyke area, near the popular North Yorkshire walking trail, the Cleveland Way, when the poisoning occurred.
It comes after a number of mysterious piles of bread and breakfast cereal were spotted littered in parks and on pavements in southeast London.
Dog owners have been expressing their concerns of the dangerous-looking substance, with fears it could be poisonous.
Writing in the Eltham community Facebook group, local man Chris Stammers said: "Does anyone know who is doing this? It looks like coco pops and cornflakes mixed with ant killer or some other type of poison.
"Seen on Well Hall Road near St Thomas More church. Just to be aware for those that have dogs or cats."
The post was soon met by more locals saying that had seen remarkably similar-looking piles of food in other places.
Several commenters suggested whoever had laid down the food had done so aiming to kill local foxes, rats, or pigeons, prompting many to worry for their own pets' safety.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
