‘False autumn’ creates early dangers for pets

Dog owners are being warned of the dangers posed by conkers and acorns if eaten by their pets this autumn.

The pet insurance specialists at Tiger.co.uk are urging pet lovers to be vigilant when out with their four-legged friends, and are encouraging them to take immediate action if their dog eats something they shouldn’t.

Hot weather, lack of rain and dry soil have caused trees to go into self-preservation mode, creating a ‘false autumn’ with leaves, conkers and acorns falling sooner to save water and energy – potentially catching dog owners off guard.*

Conkers and acorns are both toxic to dogs if eaten or chewed. Conkers contain a poison called aesculin which is found in the nut, leaves and bark.**

If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling and lethargy. Conkers can also be a choking hazard and can block a dog’s stomach or intestines.

Acorns contain tannins which irritate a pet’s digestive tract, leading to sickness, diarrhoea, lethargy and a loss of appetite. Like conkers, they too can be a choking hazard.***

More worryingly, in rare cases, high amounts of acorns can cause severe kidney or liver damage.

Pet owners are being urged to be extra vigilant this year, with conkers and acorns both having fallen early following the hot, dry summer.

Other autumnal dangers for pets include wild mushrooms like Fool’s Funnel, Death Cap and Funeral Bell mushrooms.**** They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures and loss of coordination.

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 laying 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.

“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. 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.”

Here are Tiger’s tips to help stop dogs chewing or eating acorns and conkers:

Distraction

Remember to bring your dog’s favourite toy or treat in case of emergencies, to gain their attention immediately and stop them from ingesting acorns and conkers.

Commands

Teach your dog emergency commands like drop and leave which will certainly help at this time of year. Teaching these commands is essential for keeping your four-legged friend safe, building good behaviour and strengthening your bond.

Removing the acorn or conker

If it’s safe and your dog is familiar with having things taken out of their mouth, you could try and remove the acorn or conker if they’re in the process of chewing.

Keep them close

If you’re particularly concerned, keep your dog close to you in areas where there are conkers and acorns. Consider putting them on the lead in troublesome areas or changing up your route temporarily to avoid dense woodland.

Tiger gives customers the tools to help them compare and find savings on all sorts of pet insurance from puppy insurance to older dog and even multi-pet insurance. 

References:

*https://www.rmets.org/metmatters/false-autumn

**https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/are-conkers-poisonous-to-dogs

***https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/acorns-and-dogs/

****https://firstvet.com/uk/articles/fungal-poisoning-in-dogs