Image from Wikimedia Commons under Licence CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese knotweed is a pretty harmful invasive species that is found across the UK, particularly in South Wales and North West England.
Japanese knotweed is one of the most infamous invasive species in the UK, regulated by laws such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in an attempt to stop it from spreading further than it already has.
Because knotweed is such a widely condemned plant, you could be forgiven for assuming that it’s highly toxic – why else would people be so afraid of finding it growing on their property?
While you may not be worried about your own health (most people know better than to eat random plants growing on the side of the road), but what about dogs? If you’ve found your way to this blog, you’re likely wondering whether or not your dog will be harmed if they accidentally consume Japanese knotweed.
Is Japanese knotweed poisonous to dogs?
No, Japanese knotweed is not poisonous to dogs. Japanese knotweed is not poisonous to any other household pets for that matter, be it dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, etc.
Japanese knotweed is actually very edible – it has even been suggested by some that the best way to curb the rapid growth and spread of knotweed is to eat it into submission!
Even though Japanese knotweed is not poisonous to dogs, it can be dangerous in other ways. Japanese knotweed is not native to the UK and is very disruptive to our local ecosystems, making it difficult for native plants to grow and disrupting the habitats of many species. Japanese knotweed can also cause damage to properties by growing in pipes, cracks in walls, even compromising the structural integrity of buildings. You can read more about why knotweed is bad here.
What happens if my dog eats Japanese Knotweed?
As stated above, Japanese knotweed is not toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes any knotweed, there shouldn't be any need for concern. However, if you start noticing any ill side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions about Japanese knotweed you’d like answered, reach out and contact us today. A member of our customer service team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and even schedule you a FREE knotweed survey!
Free Knotweed Survey
If you’d like to find out more about the Japanese knotweed control and removal services offered by Taylor Total Weed Control, check out the informational page on our website!
Japanese Knotweed Removal Services
Read More: What Eats Japanese Knotweed?
Is It Japanese Knotweed?