Mystery illness causing dogs to ‘drop dead’ after going for walk in popular seaside resort – check two telltale symptoms
A MYSTERY illness is causing dogs to “drop dead” after going for a walk in a popular seaside resort – check two telltale symptoms.
Dog owners have been warned to avoid some Cornish beaches after several pooches have fallen sick and some have even died.
Visitors to Fistral Beach and Little Fistral in Newquay have been noticing their furry friends becoming unwell in recent weeks.
It follows walks at the popular beaches, which are dog-friendly year-round, and there are similar reports from other beaches in the Newquay area.
At least two devastated owners have lost their beloved pooches despite urgent vet treatment since the start of the year.
Newquay Town Council has confirmed it is aware of the situation and has urged people to contact Cornwall Council, which manages the land, with any questions.
It is not yet clear what is causing the sudden illness.
However, two telltale symptoms include lethargy and vomiting, which come on suddenly, owners say.
Some potential causes include poisoning from digesting either palm oil or hemlock root, both of which have been reported along the north coast throughout the winter months.
Palm oil can be harmful to dogs if eaten in large quantities while hemlock root can be much more toxic and if dogs come in touch with it they should be taken to the vet for immediate attention.
None of the pet owners have reported seeing their dog digest anything though suggesting it may be something different altogether.
Newquay Town Council said: “We have received a number of calls and messages about dogs becoming very unwell after visiting the Fistral/Little Fistral area.
“Cornwall Council are aware of this. For now, we’d advise avoiding that area with your dogs.
“If you have any further questions, please contact Cornwall Council directly.”
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “We have received reports that Hemlock roots, which can be poisonous to animals, have washed up in the Fistral and Little Fistral area.
“Hemlock is native to Cornwall. During the winter it can be washed downstream from riverbanks and ends up on our beaches.
“As a precaution, we are putting up signs urging dog owners to be vigilant and keep their pets on a lead.”
What Are Hemlock Roots?
Hemlock Roots may look like a “beautiful” flower, but they hold a deadly secret.
The plant, which looks like a parsnip, could be lethal to humans and animals.
Hemlock could easily kill if it was eaten as it contains fatal toxins.
The toxins grow naturally and include coniine and a gamma-coniceine, which cause muscular paralysis.
Anyone who ingests the harmful plant could end up with respiratory failure – which could lead to death.
Only a tiny amount of Hemlock can prove fatal to a human or to livestock.
It usually grows in wet, marshy places and is often confused for its non-poisonous lookalikes such as wild carrots or parsnips.
If accidentally eaten, symptoms of poisoning include seizures, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors, confusion, weakness or dizziness.
The plant was previously found on a beach in Cornwall following a storm.