Reports of sea hares appearing on WA beaches prompt warning for dog owners

Dog owners have been warned to be alert after reports sea hares are again washing up on Albany beaches. Sea hares have been discovered along the Mistaken Island beach, 5km off the Albany coast, and have been responsible for several dog deaths over the past few years. Slug-like and slimy, sea hares can resemble cuttlefish or misshapen blobs with rabbit ears (the animal’s water wings) when washed up on the shore. The creatures produce a toxic slime that can be fatal to dogs if ingested. In September 2022, the Albany Advertiser reported local couple Kristee Nostrini and Tom Eaton lost their 10-month-old puppy Obi after it is believed to have come in contact with a sea hare on Frenchman Bay beach. In 2020, Perth couple Greg and Caroline Abbot also lost a puppy after taking a walk along nearby Goode Beach. Symptoms to look out for in a pet after a walk on the beach include vomiting, over-excitement and convulsions. Any dog showing these symptoms should be promptly taken to a vet.