Leading experts in animal poisons have clarified the dangers of rapeseed flowers following concerns on social media.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), which has been collecting poison data since 1992, responded to widely shared online reports about rapeseed, a bright-yellow flower primarily grown for its oil-rich seed containing erucic acid.
Social media posts claimed that it is highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as haemolytic anaemia, blindness, nervous system damage, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues.
However, the VPIS labelled these claims as “misinformation”, stating that while dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset and potential skin reactions if they ingest some of the plant, the effects are not as severe as described.
Nicola Robinson, Head of Service at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, said: “At this time of year posts circulating around social media regarding rapeseed are shared extensively and understandably worry many dog owners.
“The posts usually state that rapeseed is highly poisonous to dogs and can cause signs including haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damaged nervous system, digestive disorders, and breathing problems.”
“These posts are misinformation. The signs mentioned are only seen in grazing animals and most dogs remain asymptomatic after exposure to rapeseed.
“Dogs can develop gastrointestinal upset if they have ingested some of the plant, and there have been reports of skin reactions which resemble burns, but this is extremely rare and does not happen to every dog which comes into contact with it.”
VPIS operates a 24-hour animal poison helpline for pet owners, reports Wales Online.
A representative from Dogs Trust also commented: “If dogs ingest rapeseed they can develop gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal tenderness. However generally these are mild in nature.
“There have also been reports about rapeseed causing skin burns. This reaction appears to occur when a dog runs through fields of rapeseed and while sometimes it can be severe it does not happen to every dog and is fortunately very rare.”
“Although some of the signs can occur they are not common and owners should not be unduly alarmed. However if any dog owners are concerned about their dogs being in contact with or ingesting rapeseed they should contact their vet.”
