Pet owners warned to keep dogs away from “mysterious” substance on Brighton beach

Pet owners are being warned to keep their animals away from a strange substance washing up on Brighton and Hove’s beaches.

A number of dogs are reported to have fallen ill after eating the mysterious white waxy substance, which is believed to be solidified Palm oil.

Despite looking like candle wax and smelling rotten, pooches are swallowing the substance – and making themselves ill in the process.

According to the The Veterinary Poisons Information Service: “We have received a number of emergency enquiries about dogs that have eaten it (palm oil).

“The main problems are vomiting and diarrhoea and these can lead to dehydration, particularly in young or small dogs.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said the substance is believed to originate from a ship which poured a large amount of oil into the sea off the coast of Cornwall in October.

Officials added it has been emulsified with sea water into a thick white substance and, as it’s been in the open for a long period of time, it is now rancid.

The council said the palm oil pieces are still being removed from the beach by its cleaning teams.

A notice from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, which is published on the council’s website, said: “We would suggest anyone with a dog that has eaten palm oil to 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 is prevent exposure.”