Animal poison consultants explains whether or not rapeseed is harmful to canines | UK | News | EUROtoday

Leading consultants in animal poisons have clarified the risks of rapeseed flowers following considerations on social media.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), which has been accumulating poison information since 1992, responded to broadly shared on-line reviews about rapeseed, a bright-yellow flower primarily grown for its oil-rich seed containing erucic acid.

Social media posts claimed that it’s extremely poisonous to canines and might trigger signs comparable to haemolytic anaemia, blindness, nervous system injury, digestive issues, and respiratory points.

However, the VPIS labelled these claims as “misinformation”, stating that whereas canines could expertise gastrointestinal upset and potential pores and skin reactions in the event that they ingest among the plant, the consequences usually are not as extreme as described.

Nicola Robinson, Head of Service on the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, stated: “At this time of year posts circulating around social media regarding rapeseed are shared extensively and understandably worry many dog owners.

“The posts normally state that rapeseed is very toxic to canines and might trigger indicators together with haemolytic anaemia, blindness, broken nervous system, digestive issues, and respiratory issues.”

“These posts are misinformation. The indicators talked about are solely seen in grazing animals and most canines stay asymptomatic after publicity 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 homeowners, reviews Wales Online.

A consultant from Dogs Trust additionally 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 additionally been reviews about rapeseed inflicting pores and skin burns. This response seems to happen when a canine runs via fields of rapeseed and whereas generally it may be extreme it doesn’t occur to each canine and is thankfully very uncommon.”

“Although among the indicators can happen they aren’t frequent and homeowners shouldn’t be unduly alarmed. However if any canine homeowners are involved about their canines being in touch with or ingesting rapeseed they need to contact their vet.”