A warning for dog walkers in North Essex

thorsoak

Thought it might be helpful to share this information here as well as on other social media - I know the lady who has sadly lost one of her dogs - and now there are another two dogs ill at the vet's :-(


This is a heads-up for any of my dog-owning/walking friends who might be contemplating visiting Mersea Island during the half-term break and taking a walk with their dogs along the beach .....a local lady walked her two dogs yesterday along the beach (west to east - from the Monkey Steps to the Barbie beach huts at Seaview end) - and they were both taken ill - they've both consumed some sort of poison and sadly one has died and the other is still extremely ill and fighting for life. Until we know what's the cause of this, forget about walking the dogs along the beach - and also keep a close eye on the children too!

sangie595

thorsoak wrote: »

Thought it might be helpful to share this information here as well as on other social media - I know the lady who has sadly lost one of her dogs - and now there are another two dogs ill at the vet's :-(


This is a heads-up for any of my dog-owning/walking friends who might be contemplating visiting Mersea Island during the half-term break and taking a walk with their dogs along the beach .....a local lady walked her two dogs yesterday along the beach (west to east - from the Monkey Steps to the Barbie beach huts at Seaview end) - and they were both taken ill - they've both consumed some sort of poison and sadly one has died and the other is still extremely ill and fighting for life. Until we know what's the cause of this, forget about walking the dogs along the beach - and also keep a close eye on the children too!

It's probably worth adding, whether or not this has anything to do with this sad story, that people should be very cautious and observant when walking dogs on beaches. A number of sea side flowers are highly toxic to dogs (especially spring bulb type plants), and salt is highly toxic for dogs - so limit or preferably entirely avoid allowing your dog to swim or play in the sea. Dogs do not realise that salt water isn't drinking water. At best salt water can cause dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea, but this can become much more serious and salt water can cause neurological damage including seizures and swelling of the brain. If spending time on the beach always make sure that you carry fresh water for your dog, or they will try salt water when thirsty. And it is easy to forget to keep a close eye on your dog when enjoying the surroundings.

owlet

I'm so sorry for your friend and others who are affected. I hope they can find out what it is. Thanks for letting us know though, I'm going to Mersea Island at the end of next month for Easter. Can you update when there's any news please?