Dog Owners, be wary of solidified Palm Oil on our beaches.Watch out for white lumps that look a bit candle wax. It is likely to be congealed and rancid Palm Oil. It smells rotten but dogs seem to like it and will often eat it if given the chance. It may make them very ill.
A ship lost a large amount of this oil into the sea off of the coast of Cornwall back in October. It has been emulsified with sea water into this thick white substance, and as it's been in the open for so long it is now very rancid.
Advice from the Vetinary Poisons Information Service:
"The main problems are vomiting and diarrhoea and these can lead to dehydration, particularly in young or small dogs. There is also a potential risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreatitis) which can result in vague, non-specific signs including vomiting and diarrhoea. We would suggest anyone with a dog that has eaten palm oil contact their vet for advice, particularly if the dog is already unwell. There is no specific treatment but the dog may need medication to control vomiting and intravenous fluid to treat or prevent dehydration. The main thing owners can do it prevent exposure."
So please keep your eyes out for this stuff and keep your dogs away from it.