Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle
plants
Scientific name
Urtica dioica
Alternate names
Tall nettle, Wild nettle
Toxicity to pets
Stinging nettle contains stinging hairs on the surface of leaves and stems. When this plant is chewed by an animal these hairs poke the skin and oral cavity releasing several toxic plant compounds. Clinical signs following ingestion of stinging nettle include rapid onset oral swelling, itching and pain. Dogs and horses experience the most significant signs and may also develop vomiting (dogs only), stumbling, muscle twitching, and hives (horses only).
Disclaimer
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.
