DOG owners have been warned after a dangerous palm oil started washing up on a picturesque beach.
Palm oil, edible vegetable oil that comes from palm tree pulp, has been found on Cornwall's coast.
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Large chunks of palm oil have washed up on Cornwall's coast
The oil is non-toxic but can have a laxative effect and cause gastrointestinal problems and blockages in dogs if they eat it.
In worst case scenarios beloved pups can get pancreatitis which can be fatal, or shorten the pet's lifespan.
And the waxy substance has been spotted on Porthcothan Beach, between Newquay and Padstow, in recent days, sparking urgent warnings for dog owners who may be hoping to walk their pooches along the sand.
International law permits ships to offload palm oil residue while still at sea, as long as they are at least 12 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water no less than 25 metres deep.
While it is not toxic to people, Vets Now has explained why it can be dangerous to dogs.
"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 said.
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"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 as diesel oil from ships."
The coastguard advises anyone who finds palm oil on a beach to call it
on 999 so it can "arrange quick and safe disposal".
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Palm oil can cause problems for dogs if they eat it 3
Dog owners have been warned to be on the lookout at Porthcothan Beach