Boppard. The giant bear the (Heracleum Mantegazianum), Also known as Hercules perennial is an impressive plant that originally comes from the Caucasus and has spread greatly in Europe. With its stems up to four meters high and the white floral floral flower to up to 80 centimeters in diameter, it looks harmless at first glance – but it carries considerable health risks, not only for humans, but also for dogs. The plant juice that contains phototoxic substances is particularly dangerous. These so -called furocumarins react in connection with sunlight and can trigger heavy skin reactions.
For dogs, contact with giant bears is particularly tricky because they easily come into contact with the plant when sniffing, playing or roaming meadows and forest edges. The most common affected areas are snouts, paws, stomach and eyes – that is, those regions of the body that are the most exposed when exploring the area. If the dog comes into contact with the plant juice and is then exposed to UV light, painful skin infections, redness, bladder formation and even open wounds can occur. In severe cases, systemic reactions such as fever, discomfort or breathing problems are also possible, especially if the juice has been inhaled or licked. If the eyes come into contact with the plant's juice, it can lead to strong irritation and, in the worst case, to the loss of vision.
Prevention: What avoid?
In order to avoid such incidents, dog owners should be particularly vigilant. Walking in areas where giant hobs are growing – for example on river banks, forest edges or overgrown meadows – should be avoided if possible or the dog there is consistently on a leash. It is helpful to recognize the plant: the giant bear's akle has strikingly large, deeply cut leaves, a thick -fleshed, often purple -spotted stem and huge flower toilet. There is a risk of confusion with the domestic meadow bärau, the significantly smaller (Size ~ 1.5 meters) Is and less aggressive – but it is not completely harmless either.
The meadow bears also contains furocumarine, but in significantly lower concentration. In healthy dogs, a brief contact usually does not lead to severe symptoms.
The flowering period of the two plants is in summer. The giant hobs flourishes from June to August and the meadow bears from May to October.
First aid after touch
If there is still a contact, quick action is required. The affected skin areas should be rinsed thoroughly with lukewarm water – ideally without rubbing without rubbing the skin. After that, the dog must be brought out of the sun, since the phototoxic effect is reinforced by UV radiation. The affected areas should be covered or at least protected from light. Even if the symptoms initially appear mild, a veterinarian should be visited promptly. It can give anti -inflammatory ointments or other suitable means and assess whether further measures are necessary.
Overall, the following applies: the giant bear's akle is by no means harmless. Because of his phototoxic plant juices, he is a serious health risk for dogs. However, the risk can be significantly minimized with attention, caution and fast intervention. Anyone who knows and avoids the invasive plant protects their four -legged companion from unnecessary suffering.