HAMPSHIRE vets are warning residents about hoax social media posts regarding poisoned dogs.

People had taken to Facebook advising of dog deaths in Twyford, Shawford, Colden Common and Bishop’s Waltham following a number of claims dogs had eaten strange substances.

A picture was quickly circulated by social media groups as well as local parish councils of potentially poisonous marshmallows laced with a blue liquid.

But David Frere-Cook, director of Shield Veterinary Centre in Bishop’s Waltham, said it was “an entire scam” and said the photos had actually originally appeared on social media two years ago.

“The whole thing is a hoax,” he said. “We have never seen any cases of it. The pictures that are on Facebook are the same that were circulated two years ago. Somebody has created huge confusion. There are some strange people out there. We have had one cause of someone poisoning a cat but there’s nothing to indicate there’s any foul play in that.”

A spokesman from Winchester City Council said: “The City Council is aware of the claims that have been made on social media. The Animal Welfare Team has checked with local veterinary contacts in the Bishop’s Waltham area and there is no evidence to support such claims. Dog-owners should always be vigilant on their walks – there are many things that dogs can eat which may make them unwell. Anyone concerned about the health of their dog should take them straight to the vet’s.

“It is distressing for dog-owners when people post unsubstantiated claims on social media and unhelpful when the media repeats them as if they are fact.”

Mr Frere-Cook added: “If your dog eats anything untoward then take it to the bets sooner or later with possibly the substance they have got hold of.”