You may have heard of blobs of palm oil washing up on beaches in the past. Now once more, parents are warned to make sure that their children and pets stay away from the potentially deadly substance.
The palm oil collects on shore in white, gelatinous lumps, washed in from the Caribbean. While they’ve recently made a repeat appearance on beaches in the United Kingdom following Storm Angus, it’s wise for beach-goers everywhere to know what to look out for.
Oddly enough, palm oil is an ingredient used in many products, from cosmetics, to biofuel, and even in food, although its use is somewhat controversial. So why is it so deadly when eaten off the beach? First off, its gelatinous consistency can cause blockages in the throat or digestive tract. Secondly, in its pure form, it’s poisonous. To make matters worse, its scent may appeal to dogs, tempting them to give it a nibble.
“When similar blobs were washed up in 2014, dozens of dogs needed treatment and several died,” reports Metro UK. Due to cases like this, signs have been posted around local beaches, warning pet parents of the palm oil and its dangers.
If you think you see palm oil on the beach, steer clear, and if you suspect that your dog may have ingested any amount, seek emergency help immediately.
