Dog owners are being warned about an autumn danger they’ll likely encounter on dog walks as the seasons change.
The ‘deadly danger’ can lead to emergency care with vet bills costing more than £2,000, according to an expert.
You’ll need to be careful on dog walks and make sure your dog doesn’t pick up a conker.
Symptoms of conker poisoning
The shiny brown seeds of horse chestnut trees might look harmless, but inside they contain a poison called aesculin, which is toxic enough to make even the healthiest pet violently ill.
Just one conker can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, loss of appetite and crippling stomach pain or restlessness. In severe cases, dogs can suffer weakness, tremors, collapse or even die.
The hard, round nuts are the perfect size to become wedged in a dog’s throat or intestines, creating a life-threatening blockage that often requires emergency surgery.
Poisonous plants found in the UK
Michael Nelson, dog expert and director of outdoor kennel provider Kennel Store, issued a warning as the first seeds start hitting the ground: “Conkers are far from harmless. They’re toxic, they can choke a dog in seconds, and if one gets stuck in the gut, it may require major surgery.
“We want every owner to understand that something as ordinary as a conker can turn into a deadly hazard very quickly.”
Vets say late August and September mark the beginning of their busiest season for poisoning cases, as parks and pavements become littered with fallen seeds, according to Kennel Store.
Emergency treatment can mean stomach pumping, overnight care, intravenous drips and in some cases, major surgery. Vet bills can soar to more than £2,000.
Michael added: “No dog owner wants to face a terrifying emergency vet trip, let alone the stress of a four-figure bill.
“The safest thing you can do is stop your dog picking up conkers in the first place, don’t let them play fetch with them and keep them on a lead near horse chestnut trees.”
With millions of conkers expected to fall from trees this autumn, the experts are issuing the warning now to avoid harmless walks outside turning to tragedy.
Poisonous autumn plants
The PDSA said: “Conkers and acorns spotted along your muddy stroll are a sign that autumn has officially arrived!
“While they can be great for your autumn crafts, or for kiddies to collect, they are toxic to doggies – serious cases of poisoning are rare, but they can cause stomach problems, vomiting and intestinal blockages.
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“When your pooch is sniffing through the leaves, be extra cautious to make sure they don’t get hold of a conker or acorn, and keep them out of paws reach at home!
“Fungi and mushrooms can also start to appear in the damp autumn months. Although not all species of fungi are dangerous to pets, some can be very toxic, so it’s best to avoid them altogether to keep your pet safe.”
You can see a full list of poisonous autumn plants on the PDSA website.
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