His owner Barry O’Connell questioned why ther are no warning signs in the area (Picture: Barry O’Connell/ SWNS) Giant hogweed is a common, cow parsley-like plant (Picture: Getty) The dog has since been put on antibiotics and has a cone around his head to help with his recovery (Picture: Barry O’Connell/ SWNS)Winston, who serves as his assistance dog, has since been put on antibiotics and has a cone around his head to help with his recovery.

In the book The Other End of the Leash, the writer and animal behaviorist Dr Patricia McConnell notes that dogs and humans are among the few animals that demonstrate the need to play throughout their entire lives, even as adults.

Helping older people find low-cost ways to support pet ownership, while not sacrificing other important relationships and priorities is an investment in overall mental and physical health," said Cathleen Connell, Professor at the varsity.