There is no denying we are now firmly into the autumn season in the UK. And although this time of year can be a favourite for many it brings with it certain dangers - specifically for dogs.
With this in mind, experts have urged dog owners to be careful while on walks as conkers, which are typically found in the autumn, could prove deadly to pets. Canine experts at Kennel Store explained that horse chestnut seeds contain a dangerous toxin.
If eaten by dogs they can cause nasty symptoms such as bloody vomit, stomach pain, diarrhoea and tremors. And in extreme cases they could even lead to respiratory paralysis and death.
Conkers are easy to spot - they either look like a shiny, round, red-brown seed or might be encased in a green spiky case. Experts warned people to make sure their dogs keep away from them while on walks.
A spokesperson for Kennel Store said: “Conkers are poisonous to dogs because they contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause vomiting and upset stomachs in dogs. If enough are eaten, the effects can be serious and in rare cases deadly.”
According to Kennel Store, symptoms of conker poisoning usually appear within one to six hours of ingestion, but can be delayed by up to a few days. These symptoms include:
Vomiting, which may contain blood
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Increased thirst
- Refusing food
- Not walking in a straight line
- Restlessness
- Wobbliness
- Muscle tremors
- Struggling to move.
They added: “The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of conkers eaten and the size of your dog. If left untreated, conker poisoning can lead to toxic shock, respiratory paralysis and even death, so treatment is vital and could save your dog's life.”
If you think your dog has eaten conkers, you should contact your vet for advice. The spokesperson said: “If you’re unsure if your dog has consumed them but they are showing signs of poisoning, you should speak to your vet. Note the time and how many conkers you suspect your dog to have eaten. Never attempt to make your dog sick as this can be dangerous and cause other issues.”
