‘Rapeseed Toxic for Dogs’- Misinformation According to Animal Poisons Expert
As we approach the rapeseed season, with their beautiful yellow blooms turning swathes of our countryside into a vista of greens and golds, so the stories that rapeseed is highly toxic for dogs abound – from social media posts to the press. One only has to go back to the past few years at this time in May to find these stories in Country Living, Eastern Daily Press, Devon Live, Surrey Live , Birmingham Live and Liverpool Echo.
Concerns have naturally arisen among dog owners about the potential dangers of rapeseed flowers, especially highlighted when they are delivered through social media platforms. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), an authority on animal poison data since 1992, has addressed these concerns regarding the toxicity of rapeseed, which is recognisable by its bright yellow flowers and is cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seeds that contain erucic acid.
Online discussions have suggested that rapeseed is extremely toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe health issues such as haemolytic anaemia, blindness, nervous system damage, digestive problems, and respiratory complications. However, the VPIS has debunked these claims as exaggerated, clarifying that while some dogs might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin reactions after ingesting the plant, the severe effects are generally not seen.
Nicola Robinson BSc MA VetMB MRCVS, Head of Service, at VPIS, emphasises that the alarm raised on social media about rapeseed’s toxicity is largely based on misinformation. She noted that the symptoms often associated with rapeseed poisoning in social media posts are typical only in grazing animals, and most dogs do not show symptoms after coming into contact with rapeseed. Only in rare cases do dogs suffer from gastrointestinal upset or skin reactions that could mimic burns.
Furthermore, a spokesperson from Dogs Trust mentioned that while ingestion of rapeseed might lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort in dogs, these symptoms are usually mild. They added that reports of skin burns are rare and typically occur when a dog runs through rapeseed fields. While the reaction can sometimes be severe, it is not a common occurrence.
Dog owners are advised not to be overly concerned but to remain vigilant. If there are worries about a dog’s exposure to or ingestion of rapeseed, consulting a veterinarian is recommended.
The same misinformation also surrounds whether rapeseed oil is safe for dogs – which research has shown it to be, not just safe but in fact very healthful when it forms part of a complete and balanced diet for dogs.
So enjoy those wonderful green and gold vistas with your dog at this time of year safe in the knowledge that rapeseed is not the toxin we are led to believe.
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