Dog walkers are being urged to be extra vigilant after palm oil was found washed up on an Angus beach.
A solidified lump of the material, which can be toxic to canines, was found by Susan Spink when she was walking her pet near Elliot, by Arbroath.
She said: “It was quite a bit above the low tide mark, and although I’m aware of other instances of it being washed up, it’s the first time I’ve seen it at Elliot.”
Ms Spink picked up the white waxy material and carefully disposed of it, but wants to warn others about the dangers it can pose pets.
“I think there is something about how it smells that attracts dogs, but I know how ill it can make them.”
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The find follows an incident at Broughty Ferry last month, and several incidents at St Andrews.
Palm oil is a natural product used mainly in food processing and it can legally be released into the sea by ships.
However, it can be contaminated with fuel waste and other toxins and in solid form can be extremely harmful to dogs.
Niamh Blair-Hunter from Parkside veterinary group said that early veterinary treatment was vital if a dog ingested palm oil.
She said: “Initial symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea, but this can lead to dehydration.
“If untreated, pancreatitis can develop, which is a very painful condition, and requires intensive support, which could see the dog on a drip.
“The most positive outcomes occur when veterinary treatment is sought as soon as possible.”
