As fall approaches, experts are cautioning dog owners to avoid certain common seeds that can be harmful. With summer fading away, the first conkers are beginning to drop alongside the falling leaves. Despite their nostalgic appeal and traditional use in playground games, these glossy brown nuts harbor a dangerous toxin called aesculin, which can cause severe illness in dogs. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain, and in extreme cases, dogs may experience tremors, collapse, or even death.
The risk escalates as conkers can also pose a choking hazard or blockage in a dog’s throat or intestines, potentially necessitating urgent surgery. With millions more conkers expected to fall in September and October, experts are advising owners to stay vigilant to prevent any emergencies or tragic incidents.
Michael Nelson, a dog expert and director of Kennel Store, emphasized the dangers of conkers as they start to litter the ground. He warned that these seemingly innocuous seeds are toxic and can lead to choking or serious health issues requiring costly treatments. Late summer and early fall mark the peak season for poisoning cases, with emergency procedures such as stomach pumping, overnight care, and surgery costing upwards of £2,000.
To avoid such dire situations, dog owners are urged to prevent their pets from coming into contact with conkers, refrain from playing fetch with them, and keep dogs on a leash near horse chestnut trees. Recognizing the signs of conker poisoning, including drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, weakness, tremors, or collapse, is crucial for prompt intervention.