CGOC Belfast Coastguard are warning the public that there have been reports of possible palm oil washed up on the beach at Maryport in Cumbria.
A spokesperson from the Coastguard said: "Please be careful if you’re on the beach with your dog."
Vets Now says: "Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the pulp of the fruit of African, American and Maripa palms. It is used in processed foods, toiletries and as a biofuel. Large ships also use palm oil as a tank cleaning agent.
"Palm oil washed up on beaches is often white, yellow or orange and looks like waxy pebbles or boulders. These so-called blobs typically smell like diesel and may be contaminated with other waste products.
"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."
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