There have been various posts circulating on social media regarding rapeseed, which have been shared extensively and understandably worried many dog owners. The post’s state that rapeseed is extremely poisonous to dogs, and can cause signs including haemolytic anaemia, blindness, damaged nervous system, digestive disorders and breathing problems.
These posts are misinformation. The signs mentioned are only seen in grazing animals, and most dogs remain asymptomatic after exposure to rapeseed. Dogs can develop gastrointestinal upset if they have ingested some of the plant, and there have been reports of skin reactions which resemble burns, but this is extremely rare and does not happen to every dog which comes into contact with it.
We have contacted some of the administrators of these posts, and it is important to remain vigilant and inform practice staff and clients of the misinformed nature of these posts
