Warning as dog dies after consuming toxic substance on South West beach

A dog in Devon has unexpectedly died after consuming a toxic substance following a trip to a popular dog walking beach.

Lyla, the five-year old Jack Russell, accompanied her family to a BBQ beach day at Elberry Cove (also known as Elbury) near Paignton, on Monday, June 15.

The "fit and healthy" Jack Russell's health rapidly deteriorated hours after the walk, following the consumption of suspected algae in the water, and was pronounced dead less than 24 hours later, Devon Live reports.

Heartbroken pet owner, Terri Warne, 41, who regularly walked Lyla at Elberry Cove wants to raise awareness regarding the suspected algae that can be found in South West waters.

Additionally, it is understood that the large cruise ships which have docked off the coast of Exmouth could be the cause of palm oil washing up on Devon beaches, which can be harmful to dogs.

Terri has contacted the Environment Agency.

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What happened?

Lyla spent the day running around and diving in and out of the water as she normally would while visiting the cove.

Terri said: "She was in and out chasing her ball. It was nothing out of the ordinary."

However, when the family returned home Lyla seemed under the weather and "threw up" three times.

Terri added: "Lyla was sick a few times, we thought she must have inhaled sea water.

"She perked up a little and managed to eat some food."

Thinking that the dog was just feeling a little tired following the beach trip, the family called it a day and went to bed.

The following morning Terri woke up and saw that Lyla was "clearly very unwell"

Terri said: "She could barely stand up, her eyes were almost bulging.

"I gave her a shower and washed her down trying to remove any salt water but she just fell over and collapsed."

Due to Terri's car being in the garage, she immediately contacted a friend to transport them to the vets.

Terri said: "We were in the car and Lyla went unconscious, it almost sounded like she took her last breath.

"We got there and I was banging on the door of the vets.

"The vet came out and said she had a faint heartbeat."

'It was just horrific'

The vet took Lyla inside where they were able to take some bloods and monitor her.

Meanwhile, Terri returned home, confident that Lyla was in safe hands.

Sadly, the 41-year old received a heartbreaking phone call from the vet.

Terri said: "I got home and had the vet on the phone asking if I wanted them to carry on as she was rapidly decreasing.

"As I was on the phone a nurse came in and said that Lyla had passed away.

"It was just horrific."

The results of the blood test confirmed that something toxic was in Lyla's blood stream.

Double threat to dogs

It is not certain as to what it was Lyla consumed, however it is believed to be algae.

Blue-green algae is the most common - it can produce harmful toxins which stop a dog's liver from functioning.

Exposure to this algae can be fatal, with some types being strong enough to kill dogs within 15-minutes of consumption.

Terri adds: "It's likely that it was algae but we can't be certain.

"There are big cruise ships in the area at the moment so it could have been that."

Terri describes Seymour Vets in Totnes as "great", following their care for Lyla.

It has been suggested that Palm Oil could have also been in the area.

The death of Lyla came as a huge shock to Terri and her family, not only due to the fact that Lyla was a young, fit and healthy dog but because Elberry Cove is a much-loved dog walking spot that they visited regularly.

In light of large ships docking off the coast of Devon, Exmouth resident, Karen Ringrose wants to make dog owners aware of the potential dangers that can be caused by dogs consuming palm oil.

Palm oil which is a 'lump of oil', can weigh up to a quarter of a ton and originates from palm trees.

The oil 'lump' can harbour many germs and diseases and can potentially be fatal to dogs.

Karen said: "Apparently tankers are allowed to wash tanks out using palm oil.

"The tank will pick up all kinds of bacteria and disgusting things on their travels from a long way away.

"If the ships are going to flush out the tanks with palm oil, they aren't to do it within 12 miles from the shore.

Karen has been in contact with a member of Exmouth Marina Village who informed her of the Cruise ships that are anchored off the coast of Exmouth.

Karen said: "I know of someone who spotted some palm oil the other day, it is thought that it could be a result of these large ships."

Terri urges dog owners to be particularly "vigilant" whilst exercising a dog on the beach.

If your dog shows any of the following signs after drinking from, or swimming or paddling in water, contact your vet immediately and tell them you are concerned about blue-green algae: