Deadly Hemlock Kills Dogs on UK Beaches: No Antidote for Toxic Plant

Dog owners, watch out! A toxic plant named hemlock is on UK shores. This plant is more dangerous than Japanese knotweed. Sadly, some dogs have died after exposure. Keep dogs on a lead to protect them.

Hemlock washes ashore, especially in Cornwall. People call it hemlock water-dropwort too. This plant grows in shallow water often. Storms can bring it to beaches near you. The south and north coasts saw it recently.

This plant has no antidote; it is super dangerous. Cornwall Council warns about hemlock roots. These roots washed up near Newquay, they said. They look and smell a lot like parsnips. The roots get washed from riverbanks. Signs now warn owners to be careful.

Polzeath Beach Ranger Service also issued caution. They stated this is Britain’s most toxic plant. It harms both people and pups, they noted. Water dropworts have oenanthotoxin. It attacks the nervous system, causing shutdown.

Touching leaves then eating can make you sick. Watch kids and dogs closely, they advised. Handle the plant with caution if you must.

Hemlock poisoning shows up fast. It can take thirty minutes or three hours. Contact can cause rashes or eye burns. Eating the plant can lead to major problems. Look for these: trembling, burning, and drooling. Dilated pupils and muscle pain are other signs.

Decreased heart rate and speech loss may occur. Convulsions and unconsciousness could follow too. Get medical help fast if these show up. If safe, grab the plant with gloves. Photos are okay too if you cannot touch it. Do not try to make the person throw up.

Hemlock roots look like pretty blooms. They are seriously fatal, though! They resemble parsnips but cause death. The plant contains deadly toxins. These toxins cause muscle paralysis; even tiny bits are fatal. Hemlock often lurks in wet areas. It looks like wild carrots plus parsnips. Eat it, and seizures, nausea, and pain may strike. Confusion, weakness, and tremors are other signs.