"Keep dogs on lead" advice after fatty deposits wash up on beach
Dog walkers on the Isle of Man are being told to keep their animals on leads, after several canines became seriously ill after eating fatty deposits that washed up on a beach at the weekend.
The deposits are thought to be similar to those that washed up in Cornwall in October and South Wales in November. On both occasions a dog died after eating the substance.
Tests carried out on the deposits, have revealed they are made up on animal or vegetable fat.
"It is not toxic unless it is ingested," said Chris Burton, senior watch officer at the Marine Operations Centre at Douglas.
"Unfortunately a number of dogs have been ill after eating this substance. One of them was my own eight-month-old Spaniel Cross Yogi.
"He is a young puppy that eats anything lying around. We had to take him to the vets, it was quite a long night but they gave him antibiotics and he is going to be ok."
Mr Burton said he was not aware of any dog deaths on the island – he said there had been reports of a white fatty substance washing up on the beach at Port Erin since Saturday.
"It appeared to be like lard; soft to the touch," he said.
"Our message to people is keep you dogs on a lead, and don't let them eat this stuff."
Image credit: Chris Burton
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
