Sunshine Coast pet owners have been put on high alert following a spate of mysterious dog deaths after visiting local beaches.
The Sunshine Coast Council confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that it had received reports from a local vet of at least five dogs experiencing symptoms of poisoning after visiting the Point Cartwright and Buddina area.
7NEWS understands all five died as a result. The council expressed its condolences to impacted community members.
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The North Coast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has since warned residents to “use caution” when walking pets around the areas of Buddina, Minyama, Point Cartwright and La Balsa, which are part of one continuous coastline.
“We, unfortunately, have had a series of patients presenting with alike symptoms that may suggest a toxicity by ingestion,” it said.
“Although we are unable to confirm the cause of these presentations, the link to these patients is the area that they have walked within the 12 hours prior.”
Symptoms include gastrointestinal upsets, breathlessness, lethargy, or any change in the behavior of your pet.
‘Absolutely heartbroken’
One man claimed his six-month-old puppy fell ill after visiting Kawana Beach on Wednesday. On Saturday, she was put down.
“This doesn’t seem like a coincidence, so I’d recommend steering clear for now. Please share around, as I don’t want any other beloved pets to die or anyone else to go through what I have,” he said.
“Absolutely heartbroken.”
Buderim dog day-care centre, Doggie Adventure Playhouse, also shared that one of its dogs, Billy, appeared to have been a victim of poisoning after visiting Buddina on Sunday. He died on Monday morning.
“Our loving thoughts and cuddles go out to Billy’s beautiful and heartbroken parents,” it said.
Silver Lining Pet Rescue Inc said one of her dogs, Sophie, also died over the weekend while on an adoption trial.
“Both Sophie’s now owner and foster mum are devastated at her passing. Please take care until the cause is known, ”she said.
Some locals had expressed concern online that communal drinking bowls might have been contaminated.
Queensland Police told 7NEWS.com.au that it had been “made aware of several instances of alleged dog poisoning in the Sunshine Coast area and are looking into the matter”.
“Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.”
While the exact cause of the poisonings is unclear, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed it was assisting the Queensland Police Service and RSPCA Queensland in the investigation.
“In the meantime, the Council has taken precautionary measures to reduce the risk of animals drinking possibly contaminated water by emptying and sanitizing all dog water bowls in the area,” she said.
“We are also working to remove any loose water bowls and seal any fixed bowls to prevent access.”
The council also encouraged pet owners to keep their dogs in sight at all times while in off-leash areas, ensure their dog is responsive to voice commands before letting them off-leash and contact their vet at the first sign of any symptoms.
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