Posted by Letra Baldwin on August 15, 2005

Q: Is it possible for a dog, (black lab) to develope the same reaction to wild parsnip as a person. My dog has reddish brown blisters, on the insides of her ears, and had a severe swelling algeric reation to something, and the vet cannot identify the cause, now we discovered wild parsnip around the garden which she always accompanies me to. Anyway if they can do you know how the condition will behave and how should it be treated.

Thank you

State: Pennsylvania

A: I'm not so sure. Different animals react differently to various toxic substances. The Wild Parsnip plant juice must be acted upon by sunlight for it to have an effect on human skin. My guess is that IF it does have an effect on dogs, they too must have sun on it to cause a reaction. So, doesn't sound like Wild Parsnip to me - how would your dog get sunlight up under her ears? I'd look elsewhere for the answer. In any event, I'd try to remove the parsnip so it won't go to seed but be sure you don't get any of its juice on you in the process!

As for treatment, I simply let it run itself out on me but a doctor or vet should have some ideas to speed that process for your dog.

Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( August 16, 2005)