Plant that can be deadly to dogs found on popular beach in Cornwall
One owner who had to take her dog to the vets has shared these photos as a warning
Last updated 23rd Feb 2021
A warning has been issued after a plant that is potentially deadly to dogs washed up on a popular Cornish beach.
Hemlock Water Dropworth roots, which are poisonous to all animals, have been spotted at Gwithian.
One owner has had to take her eight month old puppy to the vets and wants others to be alert.
"Warning to dog owners. Beware of Hemlock roots washed up on Gwithian beach.
"My little 8mths Loki is currently in the vets.
"It's highly poisonous to dogs and humans.
"It's my dog and I just want to warn others to be alert".
Owner Lou Lou
It is not the first time the roots have been spotted on Cornish beaches.
These photos were shared in 2018, after some washed up at Porthkidney Beach at Lelant in the wake of Storm Emma.
What is Hemlock Water Dropwort?
"Water dropwort is a plant from the Apiaceae family, and as the name suggests, it grows in damp ground and shallow water. It can commonly be found in areas such as marshes, bogs and on the banks of streams, ponds, lakes and canals, or pretty much any freshwater area.
"Water dropwort has been hailed as “the most poisonous plant in Britain” by experts, and it also grows prolifically in many other parts of the world too.
"Water dropwort is poisonous to all animals, including people and dogs, and a small dose of the plant can lead to a lingering death over the course of a week or more, while a larger dose can actually prove fatal to both man and beast inside of a few hours".
Pets4Homes Website
Pets4Homes adds that "while the leaves of the plant are not toxic and can be safely consumed by grazing animals, the stems and the roots of the plants are very poisonous".
What are the symptoms of Hemlock Water Dropwort poisoning?
"Learning to spot wild water dropwort is an essential skill for dog owners that live in areas where it grows, as you will need to keep an eye on your dog around the plant in order to ensure that they don't start digging around the roots or decide to treat the plant as a light snack!
"Water dropwort poisoning in dogs is serious, severe and often, fast in onset. Some of the core symptoms that present after ingestion can include:
Drooling, muscle twitching or spasms, nervousness, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, hyperventilating, tremors, seizure and coma.
"For dogs, death after ingestion of water dropwort usually occurs due to uncontrollable seizures that prevent the lungs and heart from working effectively, and if rapid intervention takes place, it is possible that the animal can be saved.
"Ingestion of water dropwort by your dog is a veterinary emergency, and as soon as you realise that your dog has eaten the plant, you should call your vet, tell them this and take the dog to the clinic ASAP".
Pets4Homes Website