As we head into autumn, dog owners are being warned of a deadly danger that poses a threat to their pet’s life as the weather changes.
This toxic danger is easily stumbled upon during daily dog walks in the UK and owners could find themselves with a hefty vet bill if they aren’t aware of its serious consequences.
This autumn, you should ensure that your dog doesn’t pick up and ingest conkers whilst out on their daily walks.
Much like acorns, conkers (also known as Horse Chestnuts) are highly poisonous to dogs. If conkers are chewed and eaten by your dog, they can cause serious blockages in their stomach. You should contact your vet straight away if you think your dog might have consumed a conker on their walk, to ensure that they are properly examined and treated immediately if required.
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What is conker poisoning?
Conker poisoning is no joke, so pet owners should be aware of the potential dangers.
Jane Davidson, a registered veterinary nurse and blogger at Vet Times, tells Country Living: “Horse chestnuts or conkers are such a popular sign of autumn that it’s hard to believe they are anything other than fun. Sadly, for our dogs, they pose two health issues.”
Jane explains: “Firstly, they are toxic if chewed. They contain aesculin, which will make dogs vomit, be very tired and even wobbly when walking.”
In rare cases, if left untreated a dog can go into toxic shock or they might experience respiratory paralysis and die.
Jane adds: “Secondly, the conkers can cause a blockage as they make their way through to the stomach and the intestines.”
What are the signs of conker poisoning in dogs?
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According to Blue Cross, signs of illness can arise within one to six hours, but may also appear up to two days following your dog consuming conkers.
Symptoms of conker poisoning include:
restlessness with discomfort and abdominal pain
Jane explains: “Signs of a blockage are inappetence and discomfort. Your dog may try to vomit or poo but not be able to.” So taking them to a vet immediately is essential.
When it comes to prevention, common sense and practical thinking are key.
Jane explains: “If possible, dog owners should try to avoid areas where there are horse chestnut trees. If that’s not possible, then be vigilant when walking your dog. Taking a dog toy and treats to encourage play with you rather than conkers is also helpful.”
Other seasonal plants that are toxic to dogs
Conkers aren’t the only things that are poisonous to dogs. There are certain plants that you may stumble across on your daily dog walk can could cause your canine companion harm. Many toxic plants pose a risk to your pet’s health. These include:
Yew trees – the needles and seeds of Yew trees are highly toxic to dogs; eating can result in death in severe cases.
Autumn crocuses – these can cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea.
Hydrangeas – these contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
With all of this in mind, it’s more important than ever to keep a close eye on your dog as you enjoy your autumn stroll this season.
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Dog Teepee – Indoor & Outdoor
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Adaptil Calm-On-The-Go Collar For Dogs
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