Warning over toxic plant after dog is left with horrific facial burns

Jimmy Nsubuga
·2 min read
Dog owner's warning after beloved pooch suffers horrific facial burns from dangerous plant near his home. See SWNS story SWCAhogweed; hot weather has created ideal conditions for hogweed to grow across Britain
Winston suffered horrific facial burns (Barry O’Connell/SWNS)

A dog owner has issued a warning after his beloved pet suffered horrific facial burns from a toxic plant.

Flat-coated retriever Winston, aged four, developed painful sores on his nose and left eye after sniffing around a suspected giant hogweed plant during a walk in Essex last month.

Owner Barry O’Connell, 75, has urged pet owners and parents to stay away from the plant found throughout the UK.

Winston, an assistance dog for Barry, has since been put on antibiotics and has a cone around his head to aid his recovery.

Read more: What Should You Do If You Find Giant Hogweed?

Winston is recovering from his injuries. (Barry O’Connell/SWNS)
Winston is recovering from his injuries. (Barry O’Connell/SWNS)
Giant hogweed is a common, cow parsley-like plant that is often found along hedgerows. (SWNS)
Giant hogweed is a common cow parsley-like plant often found along hedgerows. (SWNS)

Barry, an ex-military dog handler from Clacton, Essex, said: “Looking at him like this is like seeing a Rolls Royce breaking down.

"We live in a popular seaside area. You imagine letting your dog or children out and then they run into something like this and it's game over.

"I just can't understand why there aren't any warning signs. Not to scare people but to educate them."

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a common cow parsley-like plant often found along hedgerows in the UK.

The vicious weed’s harmful sap can have devastating effects if it comes into contact with dogs and humans, causing blindness, painful burns, blisters, and life-changing scars.

Read more: Mugshot of boyfriend taken after he set fire to partner as he’s jailed for 21 years

Winston has been put on antibiotics
Winston has been put on antibiotics

Giant hogweed can grow as tall as 15 feet, with hollow stems two to four inches in diameter.

The leaves typically measure about three feet wide and display a unique pattern of veins.

Hot weather creates ideal conditions for hogweed to grow across Britain.

It is native to the Caucasus, a region that spans the borders of Europe and Asia.

Charity Woodland Trust advises avoiding physical contact with the plant where possible.