Dog owners warned as conkers leaves pets seriously ill

Pet insurance specialists at Tiger.co.uk have issued the warning after this year’s hot, dry summer led to a “false autumn,” with trees dropping leaves, acorns and conkers earlier than usual to conserve water and energy.

The early fall poses a risk to dogs, as both conkers and acorns are toxic if chewed or swallowed and can pose serious health threats.

Ian Wilson, pet insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, said: “Autumn woodland walks with your dogs are a highlight of the season with the falling leaves, foraging wildlife, berries, and nuts lying on the ground.

“But with that comes some dangers to our furry friends.

“Both acorns and conkers can be toxic to dogs, although if dealt with swiftly, aren’t normally life-threatening.

“They can, however, cause severe discomfort including stomach upsets and lethargy.”

What happens if a dog eats a conker?

Conkers contain aesculin, a toxin found in the nut, leaves and bark of horse chestnut trees.

If ingested, conkers can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling and lethargy.

They also pose a choking hazard and can cause dangerous blockages in a dog’s stomach or intestines.

Acorns contain tannins, which irritate the digestive tract and can lead to similar symptoms.

In rare cases, large quantities of acorns can cause serious kidney or liver damage.

The early drop of these hazards could catch dog owners off guard, increasing the risk during autumn walks.

What should you do if your dog has eaten a conker?

Mr Wilson said: “Avoiding conkers and acorns on autumnal walks isn’t easy, especially if the ‘false autumn’ has caught you unaware.

“There are a few tips to try, including distracting your dog with toys and treats, and teaching emergency commands so they drop the conker or acorn immediately.

“Making sure you have pet insurance in place is important for incidents like this.

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“Depending on the policy, it should cover the unexpected vet bills that come with accidents and emergencies, plus a 24-hour helpline to support any queries.”

Tiger.co.uk recommends keeping dogs distracted with toys or treats, teaching “drop” and “leave” commands, and keeping dogs on a lead in areas with heavy leaf or nut fall.

If a dog is caught chewing a conker or acorn, owners may try to safely remove it from their mouth if the dog is comfortable with this.

Do you have a dog? Let us know in the comments.