The 2 (Often Unknown) Summer Dangers for Your Dog

The Most Toxic Wildflower to Your Dog

It looks soft, delicate and even beautiful. But looks are deceiving because this wildflower is one of the most toxic plants your dog (or even your child) can be exposed to. Within minutes, fast-acting, severe and even deadly consequences can happen even if it’s touched.

The Water Hemlock is typically found in wet areas (including along riverbanks, in marshes, swamps, ponds, damp pastures and meadows) in the Northern Hemisphere (primarily North America), but also in Europe. It flourishes after very wet winters and spring flooding. And with its carrot-like odor, it may attract your dog’s attention. 

 

How to Correctly Identify this Toxic Wildflower

Despite its demure appearance, all parts of the Water Hemlock plant are poisonous. Often mistaken for other edible plants, it’s critical to know exactly what to look for – and avoid – at all costs.

The poisonous Water Hemlock can be mistaken for the edible root plant call Queen Anne’s Lace or wild carrot. (But the stem of the Water Hemlock will be hairless with purple blotches.)

PoisonousWaterHemlock.jpg

This toxic wildflower can also be mistaken for wild edibles in the parsley and parsnip families, sweet cicely, fennel, wild chervil and caraway, artichokes, celery, sweet potatoes and sweet anise. If you’re not sure, just leave it alone!

Sources:

Water Hemlock & Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock

What Are the Dangers of Water Hemlock to Dogs

 

Not All Dogs Can (or Want) to Swim

In fact, some breeds are not physically built to swim, including the:

Courtesy: Alexandr Ivanov/Pixabay

Courtesy: Alexandr Ivanov/Pixabay

  • Bull Terrier

  • Chow Chow

  • Corgi

  • Dachshund

  • English Bulldog

  • French Bulldog

  • Pekingese

  • Pug

  • Shih-Tzu

So, before you head out to the beach or even allow your dog around the pool, make sure:

  1. Your dog likes the water; and

  2. They can swim to safety on their own (in case they jump or fall into the deep end).

It’s important to realize not all dogs can naturally swim. So, if your dog cannot swim:

  • Find a qualified dog trainer to teach him.

  • Always protect him with a properly-fitted K9 life-vest; or

  • Keep him confined to the kiddie pool.

Courtesy: Jan Steiner/Pixabay

Courtesy: Jan Steiner/Pixabay

Dog Safety, Dog WellnessMobility Service Dogs - West Coast ProjectSummer Dangers for Dogs, Toxic Plants, Water Dangers for Your Dog, Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer