A VETERINARY practice with surgeries across the Post area has issued a warning to dog owners after large quantities of toxic palm oil was washed up on beaches in Bude recently.

Penbode Pet Veterinary Surgeons, which has practices in Launceston, Stratton, Camelford, Bradworthy and Holsworthy, has issued a warning to dog owners visiting their local beaches, after large quantities of palm oil was found washed up on Summerleaze and Upton beaches in Bude on Monday, October 14. They have advised that dog owners avoid beaches where palm oil has reported to have been seen.

The practice wrote on their Facebook page: “Palm oil is highly toxic to dogs — please do not allow your dog to eat it and avoid areas where possible.”

The palm oil can be white and clumpy in appearance.

Mark Banks, clinical director at Penbode Pet Vets, said: “Palm oil is found in a variety of products such as soap, shampoo, biofuels and food. While it is harmless to humans, it can be very toxic to dogs. Palm oil is a waxy, white substance which has a distinct diesel-like smell. The smell is attractive to dogs, who will frequently consume it.

“If your dog does eat some palm oil, or you are worried that they may have done so, we would recommend you contact a veterinary surgeon immediately so that appropriate treatment can be given.

“Symptoms of illness include vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. In dogs that consume larger quantities of palm oil, kidney damage, liver failure and blockages within the gut can occur. Sadly, occasionally this may result in fatality.

“We would advise that you avoid walking dogs on any beach were palm oil has been reported to have washed up.”