Ongaonga in Te Mata Park and protecting your dog

From time to time we get questions about the presence of ongaonga in Te Mata Park. We are committed to retaining pockets of the native stinging nettle as it is the food source for caterpillars of the native kahukura (red admiral butterfly). Ongaonga is growing most notably at the top end of the Little Redwoods, in the stand of conifers below the abseiling rock, and along parts of the south boundary.

While ongaonga can cause irritation if touched by humans, reactions from our canine companions can be more severe. Dog owners may like to take note of where ongaonga is growing and use a lead in those areas. We asked local vet Dr Vicki Gilchrist to provide some insight into ongaonga’s impact on dogs, and what to do in the case of exposure.

Ongaonga toxicity in dogs

Ongaonga stinging nettle is covered in spines that can break off and ‘inject’ an array of toxic chemicals into anything that comes into contact with it. Whilst a person may only brush an arm against it and feel an immediate pain reaction, a dog is more likely to run right through it and have these chemicals affect their whole body. Short coated dogs e.g. Greyhounds are more likely to be immediately affected compared to a long coated German Shepherd which may have a delayed or reduced response due to the protection of their thick coat.

Symptoms of contact with ongaonga stinging nettle vary depending on amount of contact and include:

Obvious pain/distress, panting, salivation, shivering/tremors, small pupils, incoordination, weakness and collapse.

You may or may not be aware that your dog has run through Ongaonga stinging nettle prior to these symptoms developing. Bear in mind that there are a few other conditions that can cause some similar symptoms, all of which require immediate veterinary attention e.g., heatstroke, agricultural chemical exposure, anaphylactic shock. Therefore, please don’t give your dog human medication e.g., anti-histamines unless advised by a vet to do so.

If the dog is not collapsed and there is fresh water nearby, you can soak a towel or item of clothing and wipe the dog down with the wet material to remove some of the plant toxin and spines from your dog’s coat. Do not immerse your dog in cold water as this can lead to shock.

If your dog has any of these symptoms or you suspect they have been in contact with Ongaonga stinging nettle please call your vet immediately.

Written by Dr Vicki Gilchrist BVetMed, Animal Care 2002 Ltd