Large bears' attacks can pose a threat to household pets like dogs and cats
The Giant Hogweed plant, scientifically known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, poses a significant danger to pets. The toxic sap present in all parts of the plant can cause painful inflammatory reactions when pets come into contact with it.
This sap contains furanocoumarins, compounds that make the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. After contact, pets may experience redness and irritation, inflammation of the skin, painful burns or blisters in areas exposed to sunlight, itching, and discomfort. In severe cases, pets may also show signs of systemic illness such as vomiting or lethargy[1][2].
First aid for pets exposed to Giant Hogweed sap includes immediately rinsing the affected skin areas with plenty of lukewarm water to remove the sap. Gently cleansing the area with mild soap, if possible, is also recommended. Keeping the pet out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after exposure is crucial to prevent phototoxic reactions. Close monitoring of the pet for signs of worsening irritation or burns is essential[1].
If severe symptoms develop or the pet shows signs of systemic illness, prompt veterinary care is necessary. Since the sap can also irritate mucous membranes, avoid contact with the pet's eyes and mouth.
If you have Giant Hogweed growing in your garden, it's recommended to remove it to protect your pets. Keeping pets on a leash while walking near Giant Hogweed is advisable to prevent contact with the sap. In the following days, an animal sunscreen can help protect the affected skin areas.
The Animal Welfare Foundation Vier Pfoten provides information on how to recognise Giant Hogweed and its symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of Giant Hogweed contact in your pet, a visit to the vet is crucial.
Giant Hogweed prefers moist and sunny conditions, but can also grow in partial shade. It can be found growing along brooks and rivers, in fields, forests, and even in gardens. If your skin comes into contact with Giant Hogweed sap, it's best to wash it off immediately.
[1] Animal Welfare Foundation Vier Pfoten. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed - Heracleum mantegazzianum. Retrieved from https://www.vier-pfoten.org/en/species/giant-hogweed-heracleum-mantegazzianum/ [2] RSPCA. (2021). Giant Hogweed. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/common-pets/dogs/poisonous-plants/giant-hogweed
Contact your vet immediately if you notice symptoms of Giant Hogweed contact in your pet, such as redness, irritation, inflammation, burns or blisters, itching, or signs of systemic illness like vomiting or lethargy. To protect your pets, keep them on a leash when walking near Giant Hogweed, remove it from your garden if you find it, and apply animal sunscreen to affected skin areas after contact. Science informs us that Giant Hogweed sap contains furanocoumarins, making the skin sensitive to sunlight and causing various health-and-wellness issues for pets.
