The dangers of lion's mane jellyfish Cyanea capillata (Linneaus) to domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris

摘要

Jellyfish are frequently stranded on coastlines around the United Kingdom towards the end of summer. At least one species in Scotland has a potential health risk. The lion's mane jellyfish Cyanea capillata (Linneaus) becomes stranded on Scottish beaches during summer and autumn. I describe a specific incident that illustrates the danger of stranded specimens of this species to dogs. No other incident in which dogs have been stung by jellyfish under field conditions appears to have been recorded in the literature. Dog owners are advised not to allow their dogs to come into contact with stranded jellyfish on the beach, or to allow their dogs to swim in the sea at that time.