VETS are issuing an urgent warning to dog owners over a deadly summer plant that’s dubbed “the most dangerous in Britain.”
The plant is said to be so toxic for the UK’s furry friends, that even a light brush can cause severe skin damage.
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The plant, which is quickly spreading across the UK and Ireland, can also harm those who own horses.
The Pet Health Club, which offers Vet advice for pets, shared a video on TikTok and it has since gone viral.
The vets have warned dog owners that the dangerous plant is called hogweed, which is usually found near riversides, in grassy areas and woodlands.
They have said hogweed, which includes giant hogweed and common hogweed, contains substances known as psoralens.
The Pet Health Club wrote: “These make the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, leading to severe skin damage.
“Even a light brush against the plant can cause significant harm.”
They revealed that symptoms include skin and mouth ulcers, fluid blisters, vomiting, severe skin swelling, with signs appearing just a few hours after contact.
The vet added: “If you’re worried your dog has come into contact with hogweed: wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
“Limit exposure to sunlight.”
And they have urged all dog owners to seek urgent help from their vet if their dog comes into contact with it.
Thousands of people have liked the post, with many rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One warned: “Note the difference between this and cow parsley! They look similar and cow parsley isn’t dangerous.
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“Hemlock also looks similar and can be fatally poisonous!”
Another said: “Hogweed is also very dangerous to humans! If you need to remove it please cover all your skin before you do.”
A third said: “I fell into Hogweed two summers ago and my leg is still scarred from it.”
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
