Not only can diving into your compost pile cause serious illness in dogs, but it turns out that even crawling around the forest floor could be dangerous for them.
Dr. Suzanne Moyes, who works with The Green Pantry, said this is because “conkers are poisonous to dogs because they contain a toxin called aesculin, which can make a dog sick or can upset their stomach.”
In fact, she added, the entire horse chestnut tree (including its leaves, bark, and flowers) may contain the irritant.
And the smooth, round shape that conkers have makes dogs prone to swallowing them all, causing blockages in the throat and intestines.
“The toxicity of conker varies from tree to tree, so how much your dog is affected by this toxin depends on their size, how much they ingested, how long they ate it, and if they have any other existing health problems,” the vet added.
Here she shared how to spot Conker toxicity:
How can I tell if my dog has been poisoned by conkers?
“After eating a conker, your dog may start to feel unwell and show symptoms within one to six hours of ingesting it,” Dr. Moyes advised.
- Sick,
- stomach disorders,
- trembling,
- Signs of stomach pain,
- is thirsty,
- low appetite,
- becomes restless,
- not walking in a straight line,
- Sometimes even shaking and unable to move.
It is important to monitor your dog for these signs if you think they have eaten a conker.
What should I do if my dog eats a conker and/or it seems to be poisoned?
You will need to seek veterinary advice without delay, said Dr Moyes, as “they will be able to provide you with guidance and treatment options as surgical removal may be necessary.”
She also told those planning to walk their dogs this fall to avoid wet piles of leaves, which can become toxic through a mold called mycotoxins.
Even acorns, which are rich in tannins, can sometimes cause stomach problems, she added.
So, “make sure you closely supervise your dog and keep him on a lead in areas where there is no clear path,” she advised.
“Don’t encourage your dog to play with conkers or sticks on the floor, and instead provide distractions with appropriate toys to play with to keep them occupied.”
