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Hemlock in Our San Francisco Parks

Janet Slissman · Oct 6, 2024 ·

Hemlock in Our San Francisco Park

Maybe you have seen this plant at a San Francisco dog park? . . . I took these pictures at Stern Grove. I was told by a former San Francisco city parks gardener that this plant is called Hemlock and is very poisonous to dogs! What makes it particularly troubling is that is grows in abundance and it grows next to that tasty grass your dog loves. If you see this plant, keep your dog away!

As a San Francisco dog walker, I spend countless hours exploring the city’s parks and trails with my furry clients. While these outings are usually a joyful part of our routine, I’m always looking for potential dangers lurking in the greenery. One particularly concerning hazard I’ve encountered is poison hemlock.

What Is Poison Hemlock?

Poison hemlock is a highly toxic plant that can be deadly to dogs, humans, and other animals. It’s often mistaken for harmless plants like Queen Anne’s lace or wild carrot because of its similar appearance. However, its toxicity makes it a serious threat to pets and people alike. It is particularly troubling because it grows in abundance and next to that tasty grass your dog loves. This means your pup might inadvertently come into contact with it while nibbling on nearby greenery.

Poison Hemlock Symptoms in Dogs

Recognizing poison hemlock symptoms in dogs is critical for acting quickly in case of exposure. Symptoms can include

Excessive drooling
Muscle tremors
Weakness or collapse
Dilated pupils
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Seizures

These symptoms can appear rapidly, depending on how much poison hemlock your dog ingests. If you suspect your dog has eaten this plant, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic.

Where Is Poison Hemlock Found in San Francisco?

Poison hemlock is surprisingly common in San Francisco. It thrives in open spaces, alongside trails, and near water sources. I’ve personally spotted it in areas like Stern Grove and other parks where dogs love to roam. As a dog walker, it’s part of my job to know where these dangers lie and to guide the dogs I walk away from risky areas. Hemlock tends to grow near other plants your dog may find irresistible, making vigilance crucial.

Are Hemlock Trees Poisonous to Dogs?

While this article focuses on the plant, many wonder, “Are hemlock trees poisonous to dogs?” The answer is no—hemlock trees are not the same as poison hemlock and are not toxic. However, poison hemlock (a herbaceous plant) is extremely dangerous and can cause severe poisoning if ingested by dogs.

How to Get Rid of Hemlock

If you’ve found poison hemlock growing in your yard or a space your dog frequents, it’s essential to remove it safely. Here are some tips on how to get rid of hemlock:

Wear Protective Gear: Always use gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin contact.
Pull by the Root: Poison hemlock can regrow if the root system is left intact. Carefully pull the plant from the ground.
Dispose Properly: Seal the plant in a bag and dispose of it in the trash—never compost it.
Monitor for Regrowth: Poison hemlock spreads quickly. Regularly inspect your yard or nearby areas for any signs of regrowth.In public spaces like San Francisco parks, report poison hemlock to park authorities so they can address the issue safely.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

The best way to protect your dog is through prevention. As your San Francisco dog walker, here are the steps I take to keep my canine companions safe:

Stay Vigilant: I’m always scanning the environment for poison hemlock, especially in areas where I’ve seen it before.
Avoid Risky Areas: I immediately steer the dog away if I spot poison hemlock.
Educate Dog Owners: Sharing knowledge about this toxic plant helps everyone keep their pets safe.

When out walking your pup and suspect poison hemlock is in the area, redirect your dog and avoid the area completely.

Final Thoughts: A San Francisco Dog Walker’s Perspective

Poison hemlock poses a risk to dogs in San Francisco parks and trails. As a dog walker, that is my job to keep an eye out for these dangers.

If you ever come across poison hemlock, keep your dog far away. Its proximity to other plants your dog loves makes it particularly risky, but with awareness and caution, you can protect your pup. And if you ever need a helping hand or guidance in navigating these hazards, I’m here to help. Let’s keep our furry friends safe together.

Sea Foam at Fort Funston

Janet Slissman · Sep 24, 2024 ·

If you have been wondering about the origin of the foam you can often find on the beach during the summer, it has noting to do with soap suds.It is caused by the decaying remains of microscopic organisms in the sea.

Every spring the ocean has sudden bursts of life. Phytoplankton bloom starts at the end of March. After a couple of weeks tiny algae like diatoms occur in such numbers that the water becomes yellow-brown.

Preventing Dog Heat Stroke: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

Janet Slissman · Jul 15, 2024 ·

Dogs Can Die From Heat Stroke!

Animal experts say that it’s a common misconception that dogs can survive if the windows are cracked on a hot day, or if the car is parked in the shade. They said people often think that dogs can handle high temperatures. Wrong! In fact, even a dog walk in high heat can hurt or kill them. Dogs can get overheated much quicker than we can. Their temperature can shoot up to 104, 105 in just a matter of ten to fifteen minutes, and that can lead to a seizure. Even cracking a window a little bit, thinking they’ll be okay isn’t enough in to keep them safe. There’s not enough breeze. Dogs don’t cool down the way we do. They cool down by panting.

If you think your Preventing Dog Heat Stroke , get him out of the heat as soon as possible. Here are a few other things you can do:

Put rubbing alcohol on the pads of their feet.
Pour cool – not cold – water on them. Start with their feet, neck, and genital areas.
Wrap them in a sheet or other cloth that’s been soaked with cool water.
Get your dog to the vet! Even if you think your dog is OK, it’s a good idea to have him checked out.

Heatstroke or exhaustion can occur very quickly for our dogs as they only have the ability to sweat throught the pads of their feet. The major way they expel heat is through panting. The two most common ways that pets get overheated is being left in cars or kennels when it is too hot or playing or running excessively in the heat. Our canine friends are almost always up for a brisk dog walk or a game of fetch. The problem is that they do not know when they are overheated until it is too late. Thus, it is up to us as their caregivers to understand when it is time to take a break, drink some water and rest in the shade for awhile. A dog’s normal temperature runs between 101 and 102.5 degrees so they are naturally warmer than we are. When their temperature exceeds 106 degrees there is a very real danger in damaging cells in their brain and causing permanent damage or even death. Treatment for heat stroke is immediately getting the pet into a cool shady area or inside an air-conditioned building. Cooling can be continued with cool cloths or ice packs in the groin area or in the armpits. It is important not to submerge the pet in cold water as this can lead to shock.

Bottom line: Dogs can’t handle the heat as well as we can and run the risk of developing heat stroke much more quickly. Even if you leave the window open and park in the shade, it may not be good enough. The test to tell if it is too hot to leave your pet in the car, if it is too hot for you in the car, it is way to hot for your dog. And don’t forget the longer you are away, the hotter your car gets. Even 15 minutes may be too long.

Some summer problems to look out for!

Janet Slissman · Jul 9, 2024 ·

It is very common at this time of the year that dogs will have swollen faces with eyes that are nearly closed up. In most cases this is from a bee sting. It can also be from vegetation that is caused by allergies. In most cases an antihistamine, such as Benedryl, will will take the swelling and discomfort down rapidly, but in severe cases it may be necessary for the pet to be seen to receive treatment with cortisone or even epinephrine. During times when insect activity is high, it is not safe to use repellants like OFF to discourage them from attacking your pet, because it contains DEET which is poisonous if ingested by dogs. Instead try, K9-Advantix, which repels mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

By far the most common concern seen in the spring and summer months involves pets that eat things that they shouldn’t. This can happen any time of the year, but when the weather is nice and the ground is warm and moist it becomes a perfect incubator for viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Tick Season Hits McLaren Park

Janet Slissman · Jul 8, 2024 ·

Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker – Excerpt from Save McLaren Park Newsletter

Ticks are currently abundant in McLaren Park. Tom Scott of Save McLaren Park said, “In the past two weeks alone I’ve found 3 different ticks on me. I don’t recall finding any ticks in the previous 8 years that I’ve been going to the park. My dog remains tick-free thanks to the medication she uses.”

Suggestions when going to the park: Apply mosquito repellent, especially to your legs and even if you’re wearing pants. Also, it’s a good idea to check yourself after returning from the park. Ticks tend to go for warm moist areas, such as armpits and groins.

Tom explains, “the ticks I found on myself have been identified as Dermacentor variabilis, also known as American Dog Tick and Wood Tick. This species is not known to carry Lyme Disease, but it can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It’s unlikely, though, that the ticks in McLaren carry this disease. I don’t think this is an urgent health concern for park users, but something to be aware of.”