Is Poison hemlock Poisonous

Ingestion of any part of poison hemlock will have severe repercussions, even if only a tiny amount is consumed. Its toxin targets the nervous system, influencing the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. Symptoms will appear within an hour of ingestion and include muscle pain and/or weakness, loss of speech, salivation, rapid then slowed heart rate, trembling, dilated pupils, discomfort of the digestive tract, and sometimes, unconsciousness. Severe cases can result in kidney or respiratory failure, long-term damage to the nervous system and muscles, and death. Poison hemlock is commonly found alongside roadsides and waste areas and has been confused in the past with wild parsnip, which is the typical cause of poisoning.

As the name may suggest, poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is severely toxic to cats and can cause death if even a small amount is consumed. A cat that has been exposed to this plant should be rushed to an emergency veterinary professional for treatment to prevent serious long-term sickness, including paralysis. The foliage is feathery and may tempt cats to play with it!

Poison hemlock - as you may be able to surmise from its name - is extremely toxic to dogs. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has eaten some. All parts of the plant contain various alkaloid poisons. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms and cramping, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, seizures, and even death, in some cases. Even small amounts of poison hemlock are enough to severely poison a dog. Luckily, because this plant has an extremely bitter taste, dogs rarely swallow it.