Are conkers poisonous to dogs? Vet reveals

Vet Dr Suzanne Moyes has partnered with the dog nutrition experts at Green Pantry to share advice on why dogs need to be wary of horse chestnuts this autumn.

“Conkers are poisonous to dogs as they contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause a dog to be sick or may upset their stomach.

“It’s not just conkers that are poisonous to dogs either, all parts of the horse chestnut tree contain the toxin including the leaves, bark and flowers.

“A conker’s toxicity varies from tree to tree so how much your dog is affected by this toxin depends on their size, how much they’ve ingested, when they last ate as well as if they have any other existing health issues.

“Conkers can also be dangerous to dogs due to their round and smooth shape, making it easy for dogs to swallow them whole. This can lead to choking or could block their gut, causing severe damage to their bowels if not removed safely.”

Symptoms of Conker Poisoning and Autumn Walking Hazards

“After eating a conker, your dog may start to become unwell and show symptoms within one to six hours after ingesting it.

“Common signs and symptoms of poisoning to look out for include being sick, an upset stomach, dribbling, signs of stomach pain, being more thirsty, a low appetite, restlessness, not walking in a straight line or even shaking and being unable to move.

“If you suspect your dog has ingested a conker, it’s important to monitor them closely for these symptoms.

“If you suspect your dog has eaten a conker, or they’re showing signs that they’ve been poisoned, always contact your vet immediately. They will be able to provide you with guidance and treatment options as surgical removal may be required.

“While autumn is a great time of year for dog walks, the season can bring with it a range of factors that can be hazardous to your dog.

“Similarly to conkers, acorns contain tannins, which can also cause stomach issues or in rare cases, liver and kidney damage.

“Piles of damp leaves, often found in autumn, can also be toxic to dogs, as they foster mould growth which produces tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are very poisonous to dogs. If ingested, it can cause sickness, body tremors and even seizures.

“To keep your dog safe during autumn walks, always steer clear of leaf piles and stick to clear paths to walk on if you can.

“Make sure to supervise your dog closely and keep them on a lead in areas where there isn’t a clear path.

“Don’t encourage your dog to play with conkers or sticks on the floor and instead distract them with suitable toys to play with to keep them occupied.”