Why Is It Called Dog-strangling Vine

Also known as dog-strangling vine (DSV), it is native to Eastern Europe, having arrived in Canada with European settlers approximately 120 years ago. It has become established throughout many parts of southern Ontario and continues to spread at an alarming rate.

What are strangling vines?

​Dog Strangling Vine. Dog Strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum) is one of Ontario's most unwanted invasive plants. Also known as black swallowwort or pale swallowwort, dog-strangling vine does not actually strangle dogs but it can “strangle” native plants and small trees if it is in dense patches.

What is black swallow wort?

Black swallow-wort is an herbaceous perennial in the milkweed family. It is a vine with twining stems up to 6 feet long with dark green, glossy foliage. The lance-shaped leaves are opposite with smooth edges. Flowers are 1/8 inch, purple with a yellow center, star shaped, and borne in clusters at leaf axils.

What eats the dog strangling vine?

A caterpillar of the moth Hypena opulenta feeds on the invasive dog-strangling vine.

Is dog strangling vine poisonous to dogs?

It has been observed along roadsides, fences and trails in Southern Ontario. 5. It is harmless to dogs (although if ingested there is literature reporting that it can be harmful to mammals) however off-leash dogs can unwittingly spread seed on their coat. (…so can humans, on shoes, boots, bicycle tires etc.).

Is dog-strangling vine poisonous to humans?

Their roots likely contain vincetoxin, a chemical compound that is considered poisonous to mammals, including humans. They are aptly referred to as dog-strangling vines because they twine around themselves and other vegetation, creating dense mats that are difficult to traverse.

Does strangling hurt?

Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control, where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim's next breath; having devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome. Sober and conscious victims of strangulation will first feel terror and severe pain.

What is the difference between strangling and choking?

Not to be confused with “choking”, strangulation refers to when pressure is applied from the outside, cutting off airflow and/or blood vessels in the neck, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain. Choking, meanwhile, refers to a blockage inside the throat which makes it hard to breathe.

Is black swallow-wort poisonous to humans?

Gardeners should patrol their properties for Black swallow-wort. The species is toxic if ingested by humans, equines, or canines. Monarch Butterflies mistake the invasive plant for common milkweed, a native of MA.

Why is it called wort?

The Naturalist Newsletter states, "Wort derives from the Old English wyrt, which simply meant plant. The word goes back even further, to the common ancestor of English and German, to the Germanic wurtiz. Wurtiz also evolved into the modern German word Wurzel, meaning root."

Where did black and pale swallow-wort originally come from?

Black swallow-wort is native to the western Mediterranean region. Pale swallow-wort is native to Ukraine and southeastern European Russia.

What is being done about dog strangling vine?

To prevent the further spread and introduction of these unwanted invaders in the province, Ontario has regulated Dog-strangling Vine and Black Dog-strangling Vine as restricted under the Invasive Species Act. For more information on the Invasive Species Act and Regulations visit www.ontario.ca/invasionON.

How toxic are trumpet vines to dogs?

The entire plant is toxic to animals when ingested, but especially the seeds. If you believe your pet ate any part of this plant, it should be treated as a medical emergency. Angel's Trumpet is a common flower many people have in their gardens due to them being aesthetically pleasing.

How do you get rid of a choking vine?

Cut the vines as close to the ground as possible, to avoid spreading the sap by pulling. Dig up the roots. Don't compost any parts of the plants; put them in plastic bags in the trash. If you can't get all of the plants, spray the remaining roots and stems with an herbicide.

What happens if a dog touches poison oak?

Many allergic reactions from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac on dogs are minor. However, severe allergic reactions can happen, including life-threatening anaphylactic shock, oozing blisters and scabs, and excessive biting or scratching. These reactions require veterinary care.

What happens if a dog bites a grape?

What are the symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity? The most common early symptom of grape or raisin toxicity is vomiting. which is generally seen within 24 hours hours following ingestion. Lack of appetite, lethargy, and possibly diarrhea can be also seen within the next 12-24 hours.

What happens if a dog eats a grape vine?

Grapes contain a toxin that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Grapes, raisins, and grape containing products can all make a dog very sick when ingested. This is called grape poisoning or grape toxicity. Immediate treatment is necessary and some cases can still end up being fatal.

Are plants only poisonous to dogs if ingested?

The majority of plants toxic to animals are only dangerous when they are ingested, but some reactions are caused by skin contact, so keeping your dog from digging up flower bulbs may not be enough to prevent exposure to hazardous plants.

Can dogs give poison oak to humans?

You can get poison oak from your dog. The poison oak oil easily transfers from your dog's fur to your skin where it can cause the classic itchy allergic reaction.

What happens if a dog eats a poisonous plant?

Signs of toxicity can vary depending on what your pet has ingested. But they could include things like vomiting or diarrhea, shaking, lack of coordination, coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing, or seizures.