Pet professionals are warning that rapeseed plants are ‘extremely poisonous’ to dogs.
Dog owners are being urged to take extra care when walking their pets in the countryside and to avoid encouraging their dogs to enter rapeseed fields for a photograph – however tempting it may be.
Burgess Pet Care says dogs can suffer from haemolytic anaemia, blindness, a damaged nervous system, digestive disorders and breathing problems as a result of coming into contact with the plant.
“It’s that time of year again where farmers fields have blossomed into pretty yellow flowers, these plants are called rapeseed. Although it may be tempting to place your dog in the mist to take a scenic photo, please avoid this at all costs”, a spokesperson for the brand said.
“Rapeseed is extremely poisonous for dogs, especially in highly sensitive canines.
“Even walking through these fields should be avoided! In June 2019, a dog has been reported to suffer from severe open wounds after running through a crop of rapeseed.
“Please seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows any signs of rapeseed poisoning.”