The actual science behind the use of plants to treat this condition is very limited. Dogs have body areas with little to no fur, like their bellies. ", I've been using hot water to treat and clean with, so knowing that I should have been using cold was a huge help with the itch & sting! Stinging nettles can cause a rash and other symptoms if people touch them. Stinging nettles are covered with countless tiny hollow hairs called trichomes. Soothe the bite site. Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream or ointment, or may want you take a course of oral antibiotics. 10-15 drops for medium-sized dogs and 20-30 drops for larger breeds. This plant, which can easily reach 3 feet in height, has fine hairs on the stems and leaves. For other plants known as "nettle", see Nettle. If you use it raw, first crush the hollow "needles" flat using the blunt end of a knife or pressing down with a drinking glass. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Id check with a veterinarian not the crazy internet really. As your blisters ooze or burst, they will begin to dry out. Pour fresh water over the area without touching. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Dogs typically get these stings because theyre curious and exploring. Toxicity to pets This causes erythema (redness), swelling, and intense itching. This article has been viewed 177,887 times. But if you get stung on the eyelid or cornea, you should seek attention from an ophthalmologist. How do you soothe nettle stings? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. No, goats can not eat stinging nettle plants. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. Cough. I've eaten plenty of cooked nettles. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Stinging nettle is an herbaceous plant and often grows to about 2 metres (6.5 feet) in height. Where most weeds are annuals, stinging nettle is a colonizing perennial, with a single colony capable of thriving in one area for several decades. Stinging nettle stems (singular, never branched) can get as tall as about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) to 9 feet (2.7 m). When ingested, stinging nettle can result in profuse salivation, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, labored breathing, muscle fasciculations (twitching) and ataxia. Your cat will experience some localised pain and irritation from the sting, just like a human, but this should go away after a short period of time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Uses for Animals. Chemicals flow through the hollow tubes and cause a nasty stinging sensation and a rash. Another toxic plant that is commonly found in UK homes at Christmas time is the poinsettia. Stinging caterpillars, and stinging or poisonous insects in general, often sport bright colors and strange shapes. References Higher or lower blood sugar levels. Apply the antibiotic cream or ointment directly to the areas involved. The lower leaves have a reddish color to their stems. . Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. Healing. Urtica dioica is ubiquitous here and the odd sting is to be expected on any country footpath. In severe cases, immediate surgery is required in order to drain excess fluids from an affected eyeball. But a fresh nettle leaf garnish would hurt. Male flowers are typically greenish-yellow, with 4 sepals and 4 stamens. Is a stinging nettle renewable energy? Apply antibiotic creams or ointments. However, some plants have smooth stems so you should also check for leaves that are long, with coarsely serrated edges and a pointed end. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Stinging Nettles are popular with plant foragers for their edible qualities and medicinal uses. This species is an annual that grows from seed spread from pre-existing hemp nettles, or deposited by animals, and human activity. Flowers of clearweed are in narrow racemes that are shorter than stinging nettle, at only about 1 inch (2.5cm) long. These tips or needles inject histamine into tissue when animals (or humans) rub up against the plant. The tiny hairs on the leaves and stems of this plant can cause significant irritation and burning to any part of the body that comes in contact with this plant. And cooking or drying . Last Updated: December 22, 2022 Again, this would be a time to use an antihistamine recommended by your vet. The nettles sting is an adaptation to provide protection from predators. He tried cortisone cream, but that didn't help. But, it is not their shield from the stings of the nettles or other thorny plants. There are 5 subspecies of which 4 have stinging hairs. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Would you go blind if a bee sting you in the eye? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Some anecdotal evidence shows strong doses of fresh stinging nettle made into a soup or strong tea can be helpful. The stinging hairs act a lot like a hypodermic needle when your skin brushes against them. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What is a natural remedy for cat allergies. 8 Common Weeds Your Chickens Will Love. To learn more, like how to identify different species of stinging nettles, read on! By using our site, you agree to our. Nettles are a cooling herb so work well for those pets that are always hot. The nutritional value of its protein is better than meat! Not for nothing were they used as a source of textile fibre in the past.) Stinging nettles can sting dogs, despite all the fur your dog may have. They are found at the top of the plant, and form in dense spikes of whorled flowers. Capsules: Take 8-12g of dried leaf per day or 4-6g of dried root daily. They are used as treatments for cats , a sort of new age foo foo supplement. I have a book on 101 things to do with Stinging nettles,not much help but it might just change your perception of the stinging nettle . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. Hi Pamela. Stinging nettle is native to western North America, Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and introduced elsewhere. Idk about getting my jewels burned by the urtica dioica though :) If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Useful x 3; Like x 2; wiseowl, May 12, 2015 #7 Quote in Conversation. This species, along with its subspecies, is distributed all over the world, from Africa to Europe and in North and South America. Hemp nettle has been deemed a noxious weed in some parts of North America. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care. First Aid Remedies for Cat Bee Stings But if you see that your cat is uncomfortable or the swelling is causing a problem, ask your vet if you can give your cat over-the-counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Last Updated: September 2, 2022 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. They didn't sting while under the water. Can I give my cat Benadryl for a bee sting? I was picking raspberries wearing a t-shirt. . References. How to get rid of a sting from a nettle plant? The rash looks similar to hives, with raised areas of whitish blisters. It is still, as far as I can find as of this writing, a bit confusing to botanists. Continue to apply treatments as long as the area is uncomfortable. This article has 27 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. These extremely toxic larvae can grow up to 2" (5.5 cm) long and be shades of green or brown. The coolness of the product will have a soothing effect, and the active properties of the cream or ointment can help prevent infection. Stinging nettles can cause a rash and other symptoms if people touch them. Part 1 Cleaning the Area 1 Avoid touching the area at first. Despite the fibrous stem of the plants, this food source is also easily digested by pigs, rabbits and poultry. ", continuing to pick for 2 hours, I went home and had a hot bath! First Aid for Insect Stings in Cats. well if your cat gets stung then the best way to deal with it is to put a cold cloth on the cats stung area and then you call the vets and arrange an appointment quickly and then you if you cannot . Enjoy! This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts . This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last up to 24 hours. A very common plant, the stinging nettle can be found growing in gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and many other habitats. Also keep nails short. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (for humans too!) If youve ever wondered if stinging nettles hurt dogs then the answer is yes. Purslane. For cats that exhibit seasonal allergies to pollen, stinging nettle extract is effective. Erect stems growing three to seven feet tall are lined with soft-green pointed leaves with serrated edges. A bag of frozen peas serves as a handy ice pack for individual bites. The tips break off when touched, unsheathing the sharp needles. ", a child I ended up with stinging nettles, they put mud on me from the lake. We use cookies for our legitimate interests of providing you with personalized content, enabling you to more easily use our website, evaluating use of our website, and assisting with ad reporting functions. Just pick a few leaves (with gloves, of course, and no stems), crush and mash them really well to get them juicy, and to crush any stinging hairs, then massage into the affected area. Can dogs get stung by nettles on their nose? Stomach upset, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea, can sometimes be part of an allergic reaction. This article has been viewed 177,887 times. Try some vitamin C or local honey, or visit your nearest health food store and ask about one or more of the following: Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. One of these chemicals is formic acid, which causes the painful rash. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ", scratching), and it's better than it usually is. The chemical irritants from the plant can dry on the surface of the skin, then they can be removed by soap and water. Then, apply a piece of tape to the affected area and remove it to pull out any remaining fibers from your skin. floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK. Do nettles sting cats? If your cat has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath is the way to go. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. Though it grows abundantly as a weed, stinging nettle is also sometimes cultivated as a food plant. Chlorphenamine tablets or syrup can be put into a small amount of food that your pet likes and this can be given to your pet before their main dinner. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to tell when you should seek medical attention for a nettle sting, read on! Approved. The sting and rash from the plant are painful, but can be treated. Most people remember stinging nettles from the "bite" these plants cause when touched. Urtica dioica has heart shaped. Is it good to have nettles in your garden? westwales . They will eventually form a crust once fully dry and begin to heal. Stinging nettle has significant health benefits for many illnesses, but, All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines might also help to counteract the reaction that is occurring in your body. Nettle stings can cause severe irritation to our pets and sometimes the pet will not put their weight through the affected feet to avoid the pain. Because nettles grow very easily, there are many different varieties. Your cat will experience some localised pain and irritation from the sting, just like a human, but this should go away after a short period of time. This causes erythema (redness), swelling, and intense itching. In between the leaves, look for clusters of small greenish or yellow-greenish flowers without petals. Can stinging nettles hurt cats? This plant has a spinach-like taste. Does vinegar help nettle stings? Stinging nettle grows in disturbed areas, wooded areas, and occasionally open grasslands, provided the soil is moist for seed establishment. Some of the most reported symptoms in dogs who have brushed against or ingested the stinging nettle are: Redness of the skin Swelling of the skin Hives Intense itching and burning Vomiting Drooling Diarrhea Pawing at the mouth Labored breathing Loss of coordination Dilated pupils Twitching muscles You can also squeeze the juice from a dock plant or jewelweed plant onto your skin to calm the stinging. There are six subspecies of stinging nettle, five of which have stinging properties. But then , now so are you. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. "The article on stinging nettles was very helpful. True to its name, stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems. It pierces the skin, and releases a cocktail of various chemicals from the base of the hair, and it's these that cause . They are used as treatments for cats , a sort of new age foo foo supplement. I don't feel 'interfered' with, I feel inspired, to do better bringing quality foods to tortoise keepers everywhere. A jewelweed plant is the same plant as an impatiens. [3] Occasionally the stems may be smooth. These plants also grow naturally in the same areas where you may come across a stinging nettle. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Can stinging nettles hurt cats? Though rare, bee stings do happen near or in the eye. It does not store any personal data. If you let your chickens out to free range, the nettles can provide a good hiding place and a bit of shade. Subscribe: youtube.com/user/yourdiscoveryscience?sub_confirmation=1Lik. Stinging nettles are great for wildlife Later in the year small seed-eating birds, including chaffinch, bullfinch and house sparrow all benefit from the thousands of small seeds which each nettle plant produces. Chemicals flow through the hollow tubes and cause a nasty stinging sensation and a rash. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. You can either make a thick baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water. his ankles and calves). After 10 minutes, wash your skin with soap and warm water or a clean cloth. Apply a layer of the wax removal, let it dry for about 5 minutes, then gently peel off the wax, taking the plant debris along with it. How long does it take for stinging nettle to go away? Apply the paste to the affected areas. Typically, a dog will run by the nettle, and the hair tips theyre angled and hollowed will catch on to your dog, entering your pups skin and breaking upon contact. Agree x 1; longk, May 12, . Blanching the leaves briefly in boiling water will also remove the stingers. % of people told us that this article helped them. Minimize swelling. Took several days to get better. The leaves and stems of this plant are covered in fine, tiny hairs. Jewelweed is a small plant that usually grows around the nettles plant. Are stinging nettles poisonous? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Why do stinging nettles hurt so much? Cats need to stay away from the leaves, sap and the stems of poinsettia as they are all poisonous. If your cat has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath is the way to go. This can take 2 to 3 weeks, and you may still experience itching in the meantime. Tincture: 2.5-5mL three times a day (1:5 in 40%) Hot Tea Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-3 teaspoons of dried herb and infuse for 10-15 minutes. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The chemicals released by the plant include acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, moroidin, leukotrienes, and possibly formic acid. Boil the nettles. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry. Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten. Nettle stings can cause severe irritation to our pets and sometimes the pet will not put their weight through the affected feet to avoid the pain. Apply any treatments gently to the area by using a dabbing motion to prevent further irritation. Minimize swelling. Horses don't usually eat stinging nettle, but if they lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant's leaves and stems cause a skin reaction characterized by wheals or hives and an intensely painful stinging sensation that may last 24 hours or more. And, in nettles, the amino acids are in balance. If your cat comes into contact with a lily you should take them to a vet immediately. Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. Stinging nettles don't have a particularly strong odor as far as we are aware - there's certainly nothing about the smell that strikes a human nose as being recognizable. To treat a sting from a stinging nettle, try not to touch the affected area so you don't rub the chemicals released by the plant further into your skin. Avoid walking through nettles. The sting causes any predator that may eat the plant or uproot it to stay clear. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Available products include agents such as cetirizine, or Zyrtec, loratadine, or Claritin, and diphenhydramine, or Benadryl. Nettle stings can cause severe irritation to our pets and sometimes the pet will not put their weight through the affected feet to avoid the pain. Nettles. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Youll also notice tiny, stinging hairs on both the upper and undersides of the leaves. The toxic effects of insect venom can also kill large amounts of eye cells, leading to temporary, or in some cases, permanent partial or complete vision loss. What are the side effects of stinging nettle? Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. I'm not sure if it's the nettle plant or not, but, "First of all, I rubbed the area vigorously as I was annoyed. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What should I do if my cat got stung by an insect? Since it has anti-inflammatory properties it may help with sinus pressure and swelling. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Use gloves to collect leaves and stems. Support wikiHow by To learn more, like how to identify different species of stinging nettles, read on! Stinging nettle is often considered a "weed" due to its promiscuous growth habits. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? Stinging nettles can cause a rash and other symptoms if people touch them. The stinging sensation can last from half an hour to a few days, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. When the hair tip pierces the skin, the acid makes it into the skin causing anywhere from an annoying . Minimize swelling. Flowers of spearmint are a light pinkish-purple. Crush the nettles. Toxicity to pets This causes erythema (redness), swelling, and intense itching. determine what is toxic to a particular pet. It is a member of the Urticaceae family, which includes as many as 500 species worldwide. You can also cut nettles to lay, as they are, around larger plants or shrubby fruits, where they will serve as a valuable mulch. Even though the pain can be intense during the first few minutes, by avoiding any touching or rubbing, you may prevent the pain from lingering for days. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Stinging nettles are easily distinguished plants with a memorable sting. You can take an NSAID pain reliever for pain as long as you have no contraindication. To identify stinging nettles, look for them in moist, wooded areas, like farmland, pastures, and roadsides. The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. Pictures, videos, questions, and articles featuring/about cats. Even if she appears to have a mild, localized reaction, you should still call your vet right away. The striking shape and color of the stinging rose caterpillar is typical of the Limacodidae, who don't try to blend in with their surroundings, as most caterpillars do. Stinging nettles have tiny, fuzzy-like white flowers. Fen nettle ( Urtica galeopsifolia) is found in a confusingly variable set of environments in England. The stinging hairs act a lot like a hypodermic needle when your skin brushes against them. (For use as a vegetable they need to be young. Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica) is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial that is usually regarded as a weed but is occasionally grown as a garden plant. The rash resembles nettles. The stinging hairs, called trichomes, are hollow like hypodermic needles with protective tips. Common signs to watch for: Erythema (redness) Swelling Intense itching Drooling Pawing at the mouth Vomiting Labored breathing Muscle fasciculations (twitching) Incoordination (ataxia) Alternatively, apply aloe vera or a paste made out of baking soda and water. For drying/preserving for tea, it's best to wait until they start popping up in late winter / early spring. Enjoy! This sweetens the tea, albeit in a weird, licorice sort of way, and the licorice itself may help Fill the jar with boiling water Let it sit 4-8 hours to get incredibly strong By using our site, you agree to our. The content of this page is not veterinary advice. The leaves are very large, oval, have rounded tips, and have a wavy look to the edges. Dried nettles can also be given to animals. Sneezing. 2. You usually find nettles growing on the edge of woodlands. Usually this inflorescence consists of a main, dense spike, and two smaller, lateral spikes. Although the animals will not eat the plants when they are living, after the nettles are cut and dried they are a great fodder. Dogs with a thick double-coat of fur might be slightly more protected from stinging nettles, since their top coat is meant to protect their skin from being hurt by thorns and brambles. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Tincture: Flow the guidelines of the manufacturer as it will depend on their product but as a rough guide. Products are available over-the-counter that contain a mixture of anti-infective agents. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. Hundreds of species of plants that are commonly called "nettles" exist in the world, many which are named because of the similarity to a common weed known as Stinging Nettle or Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) by leaf shape, growth habit, or stinging ability thanks to the tiny needle-like hairs that exude a skin-irritant when touched. RosemaryDW said: Stinging nettles are fine to feed. Stinging nettle, in most areas, is a native perennial, and a sign of what is called in ecology as "succession" where forb plants are growing in Nature's attempt to cover exposed soil. A bee stinger can continue to seep venom into the skin for several minutes after the sting is delivered. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to tell when you should seek medical attention for a nettle sting, read on! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,200,919 times. 7 - Fights allergy symptoms. Until it gets stung , might not be so keen on it then. 5 Do I need to take my cat to the vet for a bee sting? Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, burn nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 177,887 times. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. One of the most toxic and deadliest caterpillars is the Giant Silkworm moth or South American Caterpillar ( Lonomia obliqua ). You can eat them like any other greens; the prickles lose their sting after a minute in boiling water. Be aware of similar species that aren't stinging nettles, like false nettles, horse balms, white snakeroots, and hemp nettles. Try it, you'll be amazed how well it works. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? What are the top 10 most poisonous plants? Home Vegetables Do Nettles Sting Cats? For more detailed information about how we use cookies, please review our. When your body is allergic to something, it produces more histamines causing allergic symptoms like. The stems are sharply angled (typically 4-angled), often with bristly-pubescent stinging hairs. But if you cut them down the girls will chow on them for sure. Summary Stinging. A sting near the eye can be treated with a simple, cold compress. The plant is considered an herbaceous perennial, meaning that it has herbal properties and grows back in the same areas year after year. Nettles can sting dogs paws leading to intense itching and chewing. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro! If what you found is all black then may not be stinging nettle, although some have black tinges when assumed to have a lot of iron content, perhaps from high amounts in the soil its growing in. All of them say that the root of stinging nettle has a substance that raise the free test, fights off a gynecomastia in teens going through the puberty, reduce the facial growth in young girls going thru puberty. The medicinal properties of nettles were first harnessed in medieval Europe. Remove the stinger, if it is still in place. Within about a minute the sting will be no more. Self-care for nettle stings Hemp nettle grows shorter than stinging nettle and also has bristly hairs on the stems and leaves. Cooked stinging nettles can be used in place of cooked spinach in many recipes. A dock weed plant commonly grows in the same general areas as the stinging nettle plant. During allergy season you can give nettles 1 to three times a day to help with prevention. Wendy B. Zomlefer shares in the publication "Stinging . Stinging Nettle is a perennial herb growing nearly worldwide. Eating an overlooked plant that . Rash. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. The stinging nettle is a plant found practically all over the world. Some of these hairs, called trisomes, have the ability to break their tips when handled. The entire area can appear swollen and inflamed, with a reddish tint to the area affected. If you have fresh nettles, just stuff a jar full (the stingers will vanish in the hot water) If you have it, you can add a piece of licorice root or a bit of ground root. body. European Nettle is an erect perennial which spreads by rhizomes. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Dog and cats- make a powder from dried herb and add to the animal's food or make dog/cat treats occasionally for boosted nutrition . ", How to Treat a Sting from a Stinging Nettle, Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://wildflowerfinder.org.uk/Flowers/N/Nettle%28Stinging%29/Nettle%28Stinging%29.htm, http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/accidents-and-injuries/bites-and-stings/stinging-nettles, http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/pages/Splinters-and-Other-Foreign-Bodies-in-the-Skin.aspx, http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2011/homolka_kail/cure.htm, https://luontoportti.com/en/t/2328/broad-leaved-dock, curar el sarpullido causado por la ortiga, Verbrennungen durch Brennesseln behandeln.