GIANT HOGWEED


GIANT HOGWEED 

GIANT HOGWEED
Giant Hogweed is highly toxic to dogs.

All parts of this plant, especially the seeds which are toxic when ingested, is toxic including simply skin contact and and subsequent exposure to sunlight.

• When digested the photo reactive compounds spread throughout the body
• In sunlight, the photo reactive tissue reacts causing free radicals that literally ‘burn’ the skin tissue
• Affected skin tissue becomes wrinkled, blistered, or split apart creating wounds, the surface may eventually slough away
• Tissue damage may be so severe that it completely debilitates the animal or allows death of tissue and secondary infections that can be fatal
• Eyes damage – cloudy corneas, scaring and blindness

FIRST AID
• No antidote for ingestion treatment is palliative (relief rather than a cure)
• If witnessed eating the plant remove the plant form mouth and flush thoroughly with water – maintain personal safety
• The animal should be kept away from sunlight and fully shaded
• Secondary skin infections and suppurations (puss) should be treated with basic wound management techniques, and fly strike prevented
• Good prognosis, most will recover in days to weeks; although visible scarring and/or damage to the eyes may remain for the life of the animal

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT GIANT HOGWEED
If you suspect you have seen giant hogweed, contact your local council to see if they can get it removed.
Try to leave any removals to the professionals but make sure protect your skin with long trousers and sleeves and wear a mask should you decide to tackle the plant yourself.
Wash off any sap that touches you immediately and seek medical attention if you start to feel unwell.

HOW TO IDENTIFY GIANT HOGWEED
Giant hogweed is a non-native species to the UK. It is not to be confused with hogweed better known as Cow Parsley. 

Giant Hogweed is also toxic to humans so be careful!

Next article; Alabama Rot
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