Dog owners warned as palm oil washes up on more Cornish beaches

The white, waxy substance can be dangerous or even deadly to animals

Palm oil washed up on beaches in west Cornwall in 2020
Author: Emma HartPublished 9th Nov 2021

Dog owners are being warned to take care as potentially poisonous palm oil has been found on more beaches in Cornwall.

Rame Peninsula Beach Care shared a warning on social media over the weekend, after lumps washed up at Whitsand Bay.

It was discovered at both Tregonhawke and the main beach during one of the group's beach cleans.

They posted: "Sadly lumps of palm oil were found on Tregonhawke and main beaches during the day. This follows reports of palm oil on Portwrinkle beach recently. It would be best to consider that this is likely to be on all beaches in Whitsand Bay.

"Palm oil is very dangerous if eaten in such amounts by dogs, they can become very ill and even die. If you suspect your dog has ingested palm oil call your vet.

"The photo is of a lump found on Sunday, basically palm oil looks like a waxy pebble and can range in colour from white to a browny yellow, this piece is about 7cm long".

Sadly, this is not the first time palm oil has been found on beaches in the Duchy. Around this time last year, large quantities were reported in west Cornwall.

Friends of Portheras Cove shared these photos after discoveries in the Pendeen area back in November 2020.

At the time, they warned pet owners and parents with small children to keep their distance, after the substance was washed up by strong winds.

It is waxy in consistency and while normally white in colour, can also appear yellow or brown.

Palm oil washed up in west Cornwall back in 2020

What is palm oil and why is it dangerous to dogs?

Palm oil is a waxy substance, often white, yellow or orange in colour.

Whilst it is not toxic to people, Vets Now explains why it can be dangerous to dogs.

"While palm oil is not poisonous to dogs, it does have a laxative effect and, if eaten, can cause sickness, diarrhoea, dehydration and, in extreme cases, pancreatitis.

"It can also cause blockages in the gut due to its semi-solid state.

"Some dogs have become seriously ill after ingesting palm oil.

"Much of the risk from palm oil is thought to derive from other toxic products mixed in it such a diesel oil from ships".

What should I do if my dog swallows palm oil?

Vets now says owners concerned their dog has eaten palm oil should contact their vet or, out of hours, their nearest emergency clinic or 24/7 hospital.

They say it is unlikely the vet will induce sickness as it may increase the risk of inhalation and add that you should not attempt to make your dog sick yourself.

More advice, including articles on owners whose pets have eaten palm oil, can be found on the Vets Now website.

Cornwall Council is urging people who see palm oil on the beach to report sightings to 0300 1234 141.

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