BEACHED BLUEBOTTLES

We have just been notified today that there is a large number of washed up bluebottles at Horseshoe Bay Beach (and possibly the surrounding beaches) in Bermagui, NSW.

Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

Please be cautious if heading down to Horseshoe Bay Beach (and surrounding coastal areas) with your dog over the next couple of days. Keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and this can also be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish and other jellyfish. Help us prevent pet poisonings by sharing this post with any dog owning friends or family that may be in the Bermagui area.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) , 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN). Don’t miss the next pet poisons alert. Visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates and alerts directly to your inbox. If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.