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Witch hazel

Witch hazel, also known as witch hazel, captures the attention of many garden lovers with its unique, spider-shaped flowers and its ability to bloom in the coldest months. While this enchanting shrub is a feast for the eyes and a highlight in many gardens, it poses unknown risks to our four-legged friends. In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of witch hazel, explore what makes it so special and reveal what dog owners should know about this plant.

What is witch hazel?

Witch hazel (Hamamelis) is a genus of shrubs or small trees known for their showy, early-blooming flowers, which often appear in mid-winter when little else in the garden is in bloom. These plants are native to North America and parts of Asia and are prized worldwide for their ornamental and medicinal properties. Witch hazel extracts are often used in skin care products as they have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

Benefits of witch hazel in the garden

Aesthetic appeal

Witch hazel is a real eye-catcher in any garden, especially in the colder months when its yellow to red flowers provide a stark contrast to the otherwise dreary gray of winter. Its unique flower shape and the fact that it blooms at a time when most other plants are dormant make it a valuable addition to the garden landscape.

Natural skin care

For human use, witch hazel extract offers numerous benefits. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it a popular ingredient in skin care products that can help treat skin irritations, acne and other skin problems.

Risks of witch hazel for dogs

While witch hazel offers many benefits for humans, it's important to understand its potential risks for dogs.

Toxicity

Although witch hazel extracts are safe for human skin care products in diluted form, the plant parts themselves, especially the leaves and twigs, can be toxic to dogs. If a dog eats witch hazel plant parts, this can lead to indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

Skin irritation

While witch hazel can have an anti-inflammatory effect on human skin, pure extracts or direct chewing of the plant by dogs should be avoided as this can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Precautions and recommended actions

It is crucial to plant and care for witch hazel in such a way that it remains inaccessible to dogs. However, if your dog comes into contact with the plant and shows signs of poisoning, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately.

 

The double-edged magic of witch hazel

Witch hazel is undoubtedly an asset to any garden, offering visual beauty and medicinal benefits for humans. However, caution is advised if dogs are part of your household. The plant's potential toxicity to our furry friends requires responsible handling and placement in the garden. By keeping the safety of our pets in mind, we can enjoy the magical benefits of witch hazel without taking unnecessary risks. A conscious approach to nature and its inhabitants allows us to enjoy the beauty of our garden to the full, while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all family members, two-legged and four-legged alike.

Learn even more about Witch hazel

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊